A freeze warning is in effect for Northern Herkimer and Hamilton counties including Old Forge and surrounding areas from 2 am-8 am Friday.

EyeWitness News Chief Meteorologist Rachel Witter is reporting that temperatures will drop into the 20's, and there will be widespread frost. A freeze warning is the "worst" on a scale of frost/freeze watches and warnings meaning there will be a frost and if you have plants outside it will likely kill them.

Rachel says, "there are no watches or warnings in the valley at this time, but that could change. Temperatures are expected to drop into the 30's tonight, and we could have some very patchy frost. Frost starts forming around 35 degrees and she thinks we'll stay well above that."

I asked Rachel Witter if it's early for these chilly temperatures and she said:

 This is pretty typical for this time of year to get frost/freeze watches and warnings. Average low temps for this time of year in Utica are in the lower 40s, so upper 30s aren't uncommon. First freeze is usually in early October anyway.

Tips on protecting your plants

  • The easiest solution is to bring potted plants and hanging baskets indoors as temperatures drop this time of year.
  • Apply another layer of mulch as it acts as an insulator.
  • Cover your plants with an old blanket but be sure to remove it during the day.
  • Heavily water your plants before a very cold night (not a hard freeze). Wet soil traps heat better.

[WikiHow]

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