Freeze Watch Issued for California, Arizona: What to Know

By Hollie Silverman

Deputy Weekend Editor

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A freeze watch has been issued for parts of California and Arizona as a cold front moves through the Western part of the country, bringing sub-freezing temperatures and high winds to the region.

The advisory comes amid widespread winter weather affecting large parts of the country, including forecasted snow in the Northeast in the coming days.

Why It Matters

Sub-freezing temperatures can be dangerous to human life as well as crops and animals. People are advised to protect sensitive plants, animals, and exposed plumbing to prevent damage.

Antelope Valley, the region in California where some of the advisories have been issued, is a popular tourist area at the tip of the Mojave Desert, in parts of Los Angeles and Kern counties.

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What To Know

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a freeze watch for the Antelope Valley, effective until 8 a.m. local time Tuesday.

Temperatures may drop as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office.

Additionally, multiple wind advisories have been issued for areas of Southern California, including Santa Clarita Valley and Ventura County, with gusts expected to reach up to 45 miles per hour. The region could also see power outages due to the high winds.

In Arizona, a freeze watch is also in place in the northwest desert areas, including the cities of Yucca, Valentine, Wikieup, Dolan Springs, Kingman, and Golden Valley, NWS reported.

Winter weather is impacting much of the U.S., creating chaos for air and road travelers during one of the busiest travel seasons.

The NWS forecast indicates snow will extend from the Rockies into the Middle Mississippi Valley, with potential winter storms developing in the Central Appalachians and Interior New England early this week.

What People Are Saying

The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office stated: "Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 25 degrees possible. Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

The NWS cautioned: "Northeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result."