National Weather Service Issues Serious Freeze Warning for Seven States

Winter weather is not going away easily in several regions of the United States. This weekend has featured multiple freeze warnings and watches nationwide.

As of Sunday, seven states are under a Freeze Watch from the National Weather Service (NWS) through the rest of today into Monday morning.

What is a Freeze Warning?

According to the official Weather.gov definition, a Freeze Warning is issued when "significant, widespread freezing temperatures are expected."

Freeze warnings can be issued in autumn and spring. A spring Freeze Warning is for the beginning of the growing season, when it is "late enough to cause damage to new plants and crops."

Which states are affected by the latest freeze warnings?

• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Michigan
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia

What are the latest forecasts?

This morning, the NWS Pittsburgh office updated its Freeze Warning for parts of east central Ohio, northwest, southwest, and western Pennsylvania, and northern West Virginia through 10 a.m. ET Monday.

Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 28 are expected.

"Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold," the NWS says.

Freeze warnings for the same timeline are also in effect for significant portions of Illinois, Indiana and Iowa, as well as other areas of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Lastly, much of Michigan is under a Freeze Warning until Monday morning, with frost advisories also in effect.

Tips for freezing weather

If you're in one of the areas under a Freeze Warning or Watch, consider these guidelines from New Braunfels Utilities in Texas.

• Open the cabinets under the sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated air to circulate around the water pipes.
• Set your thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees, especially when you are gone for the day or away for a long time. 68 degrees is ideal for when you are home.
• Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and pipes in unheated areas with pipe insulation. In a pinch, wrapping them with rags, newspapers, trash bags, plastic foam or even bubble wrap can add needed protection.
• Cover any vents around your home’s foundation.
• Drain water hoses and store them in a garage or shed.
• Drain irrigation water supply lines.
• Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
• Make sure you know where your main water shut-off valve is. Most homes have a master valve or a main water shut-off that will allow you to turn off all the water coming into the house. The video below can help you find the valve and learn how to shut it off safely.
• If you suspect you have a leak, turn the water off at the main shut-off valve. Watch our video below to help find the valve and learn how to shut it off safely.
• If you drain your pipes, do not forget to turn off the power to your water heater if it is electric and turn of the gas supply line the water heater if it is a gas appliance.

Stay warm.