Sacramento freeze warning: Prepare your plants, pipes and power for cold temperatures

After a few days of warm, spring-like weather, freezing temperatures are returning to Sacramento.

Forecasts show sub-freezing temperatures with lows around 26 degrees this week. In the daytime, temperatures will hover near 50 degrees.

The city also has a 40% chance of rainfall Tuesday, after not having precipitation for more than six weeks. There’s a small chance of rain throughout this week, too.

The National Weather Service in Sacramento warned people of the freeze that is expected to roll into the Central Valley, including Redding, Sacramento, Chico and Modesto. It’ll start each night from early morning Wednesday to Friday morning.

The agency shared tips on its Twitter account on how residents can prepare for the cold weather, such as preventing pipes from freezing by letting cold water trickle from the faucet and opening cabinet doors so warm air can circulate around the plumbing.

Ready.gov, a government resource that helps people prepare for emergencies and natural disasters, also outlines tips on how to brace for the cold. It includes installing and testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and gathering supplies in case of a power outage.

It also recommends that people avoid driving on the road, if possible, and limit time outdoors. If you need to be outside, wear warm clothes and be aware of frostbite and hypothermia symptoms.

Other tips from Ready.gov, include the following:

• Do not heat your home with a gas stove or oven as there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning

• Create an emergency supply kit for your home, car and workplace. It should include jumper cables, water, blankets, non-perishable foods and flashlights.

• Keep a full tank of gas

Freezing cold temperatures can also damage or kill some plants, according to the NWS. If you have a garden, you can protect it from frost by covering it with row covers or bedsheets.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, you should also protect your plants’ soil by adding organic matter on the surface before covering it to avoid erosion and to feed the soil.

Sacramento County warming centers

For those in need of a place to stay during the cold weather, Sacramento County will be opening two warming centers Tuesday through Friday. Masks are required at these facilities and will be provided to guests. There will be blankets, food and water. If you have a pet, it must be on a leash or in a carrier.

• DHA Annex, 1725 28th Street - 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Creekside Adult School, 2641 Kent Drive - 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

There are other warming centers in the city, other than the county-run facilities.

• Sacramento City Hall, 915 I St., Sacramento - 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday

• Barbara Morse Wackford Center, 9014 Bruceville Rd., Elk Grove - 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Tuesday to Thursday

• Capitol City Seventh Day Adventist, 6701 Lemon Hill Ave., Sacramento - 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Tuesday to Saturday

• Union Gospel Mission, 400 Bannon St., Sacramento - 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly until further notice

Individuals can call 211 for more information about warming centers, dates and locations.

This story was originally published February 22, 2022 at 10:53 AM.