Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. Plants that you wish to preserve through the winter months should be brought indoors. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in- ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 10 AM EDT WEDNESDAY... * WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures, as low as the mid 20s in the mountains and near 32 in the piedmont. * WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest North Carolina and central, south central, southwest and west central Virginia. * WHEN...From midnight tonight to 10 AM EDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions will sensitive plants, and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Temperatures are expected to be even colder Wednesday night. A hard freeze is expected areawide Wednesday night and early Thursday with temperatures well below freezing. This will put an end to growing season.