What to know about the cold weather on the way to Florida's Gulf Coast

A freeze watch has been issued for parts of the Gulf Coast Thursday night into Friday morning. This will be the first time in four years that this type of alert has been issued in Charlotte and Desoto counties.

A freeze watch signifies that temperatures could drop below freezing for two or more hours. The mercury will dip the lowest right around daybreak on Friday morning. When temperatures get this cold, it is important to stay prepared and protect the four P's: people, pets, plants and pipes.

People should limit time outside during the coldest parts of the day. If you are venturing outdoors early Friday morning, be sure to bundle up. Vulnerable populations, like children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, could feel stronger impacts of the cold.

In the event you lose power, seek cold-weather shelters. In Charlotte County, the Charlotte CARE Center will be open on Thursday and Friday nights, according to a recent press release. Guest there will need to pre-register and arrive by 8 p.m. For the latest updates on cold weather shelters, keep up with Gulf Coast News.

If you choose to stay home, you can also stuff blankets and towels along the cracks in your windows and doors. That will help keep the heat inside. The good news it, we are set to recover to the mid 60s by Friday afternoon.

Pets will feel the chill Thursday night into Friday morning, so bring them indoors. A good rule of thumb is "if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pet." Remember to provide them with enough water. The NWS says dehydration is especially dangerous in cold months. If you have large outdoor animals, like cows or horses, make sure they have a barn to keep them warm.

Plants can be harmed by the subfreezing conditions as well. Sensitive plants should be covered or brought indoors.

Cover your pipes or drip your faucets. When pipes freeze, the ice expands and can sometimes cause pipes to burst. Allowing your facets to lightly drip will make it harder for the water to freeze.

Stay warm!

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