Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. 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.

HARD FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST TODAY... * EVENT...An Arctic airmass will move into the region bringing overnight low temperatures from around 5 degrees to 17 degrees. * TIMING..Temperatures will quickly fall after sunset with hard freeze conditions expected by mid to late evening and continuing through midday Sunday. * IMPACT...Crops and exposed vegetation will freeze. Exposed pipes will also be prone to bursting.