Nighttime freeze warnings issued for Modesto area. Still time to take protective measures

Modestans have had the chance to prepare for rainstorms and heavy wind so far this year, but now the National Weather Service advises you to be ready for freezing nights.

A freeze warning has been issued for Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 2 a.m. until 8 a.m, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

In Modesto, Tuesday’s overnight low was 36 degrees with light showers, according to the weather service. Wednesday’s high is expected to be near 53 degrees, followed by an overnight low of 31 degrees.

Thursday is expected to reach a high of 57 degrees and the drop to a low of 35.

If you have elderly loved ones, the NOAA advises that you check to make sure they will be able to stay warm through the freeze warning.

Also take measures to protect outdoor animals and plants.

“If you have pets or farm animals, make sure they have plenty of food and water, and are not overly exposed to extreme cold,” according to the National Weather Service. It also advises that you know the temperature thresholds for outdoor plants and crops and cover them if necessary.

Heat lamps are not recommended for keeping dogs or livestock warm at night. Dutch Hollow Farms in Modesto suffered a heartbreaking loss from a fire late Sunday night. The blaze believed to have started with a heat lamp, destroyed a barn and killed three goats and their eight newborns, which had been brought indoors to protect them from the cold.

You may also need to insulate pipes from freezing overnight. “Consider wrapping external pipes that may be vulnerable to freezing,” according to the weather service on Facebook. The El Dorado Irrigation District in Placerville recommends letting water drip from pipes to prevent freezing and turning on your heater (no lower than 55 degrees) if you’re leaving the home for an extended period of time.

If you need to be outside during the freeze warning, the weather service recommends you prepare yourself by wearing layers of clothing, hat and gloves, and warm, waterproof footwear.

If possible, the NOAA suggests adjusting your schedule to avoid the extreme temperatures. For example, if you have children who normally stand outside to wait for a bus, find them a warm place to wait.

Plan to fill up your vehicle’s gas tank before heading out into the cold.

For our readers who live in, or will be visiting, snow country, here are 15 items the National Weather Service advises you keep in your vehicle as part of a “Winter Car Survival Kit”:

1. Jumper cables (reflective gear or flares, too, if you have them)
2. Flashlights and extra batteries
3. First aid kit, essential medications
4. If you have a baby or special needs family member, pack any special formula or food and diapers
   
   
5. Non-perishable food
6. 1 gallon of water per person a day, for at least 3 days
7. Pliers, wrench, screwdriver
8. Food and water for pets
9. Battery or hand cranked radio
10. Cat litter or sand
11. Shovel
12. Ice scraper
13. Clothes
14. Warmers
15. Blankets or sleeping bags
16. Charged Cell Phone

This story was originally published February 28, 2023 at 4:07 PM.

Vivienne Aguilar

The Modesto Bee

Vivienne Aguilar is a breaking news reporter. She is a graduate of California State University, Monterey Bay. She previously worked at Stocktonia News Service and was editor in chief for the Delta Collegian.