Freeze warnings are in effect throughout the Tampa Bay region ahead of the Christmas cold storm.

Both Saturday and Sunday mornings, much of the Tampa Bay area will be under a freeze or hard freezing warning.

Freeze warnings and watches are in effect in Florida ahead of a cold front.Photo byWesh

TAMPA, Florida: The Tampa Bay region is prepared for its taste of the cold as much of the country faces the brunt of the arctic air sweeping across the country.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has declared hard freeze and freeze watches for most of the Tampa Bay area in anticipation of below-freezing temperatures. These watches are in effect from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday and 3 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sunday. A freeze warning has been announced for the following counties in the Tampa Bay area:

Polk, Hardee, Highlands, Pasco, Hillsborough (coastal and inland), and Manatee counties. Temperatures below freezing will be as low as 31 degrees.

A hard freeze warning has been issued for the following counties in the Tampa Bay area:

Citrus County (coastal and inland), Hernando County (coastal and inland), and Pasco County (inland). Temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit are possible. As the weekend approaches, these watches may be elevated to warnings. More watches/warnings are also expected on Sunday morning.

When is this taking place?

The freeze warnings are in force from late Friday night through Saturday morning, according to the NWS. Frost and freeze conditions can harm crops and other delicate vegetation, as well as damage exposed outdoor plumbing.

What is the distinction between a soft freeze watch and a freeze watch?

The big difference, according to the NWS, is how low those sub-freezing temperatures will reach. Temperatures as low as 31 degrees Fahrenheit are possible in areas under a freeze watch. Temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit are possible in areas under a severe freeze watch.

Methods for Preparation

If you have "sensitive" plants that are particularly vulnerable to cold, you should take precautions to protect them from the weather. When it comes to pipes, you may prevent freezing and probable bursting by covering, emptying, or allowing them to drip gently.

You should empty your sprinkler system if you have one. Above-ground pipes should be protected from freezing by covering them.

Also, do not forget about your pets! Make sure they are taken indoors to avoid chilly weather.