Freezing temperatures strike Columbus. Here’s the forecast and how you can be ready

Kelby Hutchison
·3 min read

Columbus has now fallen under the fingertips of Jack Frost with temperatures expected to possibly drop into the teens over the next 24 hours.

Temperatures in Columbus are expected to stay around 34 degrees Tuesday with a possible low of around 19 degrees Tuesday night, according to a National Weather Service forecast.

SafeHouse Ministries on Hamilton Road has announced they will be opening their doors as a warming station tonight through Thursday afternoon, according to their Facebook page.

The United Way of Chattahoochee Valley’s Home for Good team will be providing free transportation for homeless individuals to SafeHouse Ministries on Tuesday and Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, according to a news release.

Homeless individuals seeking to arrange transportation can call 706-530-5569.

The NWS forecast shows temperatures will slightly rise Wednesday with a high around 44 degrees, but will dip to around 23 Wednesday night.

Thursday will possibly serve as brief respite from freezing temperatures with a high near 55 degrees and a low around 40 degrees Fahrenheit on Thursday night, according to the NWS forecast.

However, heading into the weekend the freezing temperatures will return Friday night with a low around 19 degrees.

Don’t plan a picnic for Saturday as the high will be near 39 degrees Fahrenheit with a low around 20 degrees Fahrenheit Saturday night, according to the NWS forecast.

The NWS forecast shows that Sunday will be slightly higher with a high around 45 degrees Fahrenheit and a low layer that night around 27 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for surviving the cold

One threat that looms over everyone in freezing temperatures is the possibility of water pipes freezing and bursting.

To help ensure this doesn’t happen to you weather.gov suggests the following:

  • letting hot and cold water drip at night from a faucet

  • Opening cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink

  • Making sure to leave your heat on and setting it no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit

Carbon monoxide poisoning is also a threat that emerges in cold weather. To avoid this weather.gov suggests following these rules:

  • Install a carbon monoxide detector

  • Never run generators indoors

  • Open a window when using a kerosene heater and following the manufacturer’s instructions

  • Never use a gas oven to heat your home

Pets are also susceptible to the colder temperatures impacting the area. To help keep them safe here are a few tips from the American Red Cross:

  • Bring your pets in during the cold weather as they can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed

  • Protect your pet’s paws as salt and other chemicals used to melt snow can irritate the pet’s paws

  • Wipe up spills of antifreeze and keep it out of reach as it is a deadly poison

  • Check your engine before driving as feral and outdoor cats can sometimes take refuge on your engine

For the full list click here.

Closures

The Russell County School District has moved to remote learning for Wednesday. Students will not report to school campuses and all extracurricular and extended day/tutoring have been canceled, according to a news release.

Chattahoochee Valley Community College’s Tuesday evening women’s basketball game has been canceled, according to a new release.