Parts of Utah under ‘freeze watch’ as temperatures threaten to plummet

PROVO, Utah (ABC4) — The eastern portion of Box Elder and the Utah Valley near Provo are under a “freeze watch,” according to the National Weather Service.

The watch has been issued as temperatures threaten to plummet to below-freezing levels late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, May 2.

The National Weather Service said there is about a 60 to 75 percent chance of sub-freezing temperatures and a less than 10 percent chance of temperatures dropping below 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

A cold snap such as the one expected overnight can put outdoor plants and crops and other temperature-sensitive vegetation in danger. The freezing temperatures could also cause damage to unprotected outdoor plumbing.

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According to the Farmer’s Almanac, sharp colds can damage or even kill many vegetable crops, however, there are ways to protect them. If the plant can be easily transported, the Farmer’s Almanac recommends bringing it indoors for the night.

If the plant has to stay outdoors, the Almanac recommends covering the plants to help trap heat and keep the plants warmer. Row covers can be purchased online or at local garden stores. Bed sheets, cloths and medium-weight fabrics can also make for ready-at-home covers. The Farmer’s Almanac said to not let the material rest on the plants and to instead drape the covers loosely, allowing for some air circulation.

As for exterior pipes, the Red Cross suggests keeping the water flow going with a small trickle and insulating outdoor pipes with a pipe sleeve.

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