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.

* WHAT...Hard freeze with temperatures as low as 23 expected. * WHERE...Portions of southeast Alabama and south central and southwest Georgia. * WHEN...From 11 PM EST /10 PM CST/ this evening to 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ Sunday. * IMPACTS...Hard freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.