Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above- ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

FREEZE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 27 to 30 possible. * WHERE...Portions of southeast Maryland, northeast North Carolina and central, east central, eastern, north central, south central and southeast Virginia. * WHEN...From late Wednesday night through Thursday morning. * IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.