LOOK OUT--HERE IT COMES

[bfez1]

Issued at: 12:40 PM CST 1/23/03, expires at: 4:30 PM CST 1/23/03
a hard freeze warning is now in effect for tonight a wind advisory remains in effect for this afternoon Very cold arctic air is entrenched across the entire region and will provide a freeze and hard freeze situation for tonight. In addition, blustery north winds of 20 to 25 mph with gusts occasionally 30 to 35 mph will continue this afternoon before settling to 10 to 15 mph. This will maintain wind chill readings of 25 to 30 across the metro area and the coastal parishes into this evening, dropping into the teens tonight. A freeze is expected to onset by midnight tonight with temperatures falling into the 23 to 27 degree range before daybreak. The duration of freezing temperatures is expected to be about 9 hours with hard freeze conditions expected for 2 to 3 hours. A hard freeze is defined as air temperatures at or below 26 degrees for two or more hours duration. Precautions should be taken to protect pipes, pets, plants and people from freeze and hard freeze conditions bef!
ore sunset tonight. The only exceptions will be those residents near lake pontchartrain where the relatively warmer water temperatures will likely keep temperatures above 26 degrees. Motorists of high profile vehicles should use extreme caution while driving across elevated portions of highways. North winds of 20 to 30 mph is expected at ground level with somewhat higher winds possible on causeways and bridges and among the taller structures in the central business district of new orleans. Winds are expected to decrease to 20 mph later this afternoon and around 10 mph by midnight tonight.