In Northern California weather has dipped into the teens between midnight and 4am, causing havoc for citizens and crops in Northern California. National Weather Service reports that 90% of California will be subject to freezing weather and wind chill.
The National Weather Service reports that a freeze warning is in effect from 2am till 9am Pacific Standard Time on Sunday. Residents should be prepared to take necessary measure to protect animals and cold sensitive plants. Exposed water pipes and sprinkler systems may also need protection. A freeze warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely. These conditions will kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.
The weather is affecting crops. At this time local farmers are unable to calculate the cost that this weather emergency as created. Local citrus growers are working around the clock to harvest as much citrus as they can. Local citrus growers are also using fans to push warm air into the crops.
How does this affect the buyer? Citrus trees need warm climates to produce excellent fruit. When citrus is lost and not at high quality, this produces a higher price at the grocery stores.
The Governor’s State Of Emergency announcement has opened up local bay area homeless shelters and armories. A local San Jose homeless shelter nearly double its occupancy because weather dipped into the thirties.
Local Sunnyvale and Gilroy armories usually stay open until early March. They have seen a smaller amount of homeless coming in from the cold weather.
Volunteers have been seen traveling around San Jose with blankets, hot soup and hot coffee. Law enforcement, volunteer workers, the American Red Cross and dozens of agencies in Santa Clara County have helped spread the word of the availability of shelter beds.
Crops and humans are not the only ones that should seek shelter from the cold. Pet owners should take precautions to protect their animals from danger.
The Humane Society Of The United States reports that if possible, animals should be brought into the house. If you are unable to bring your dog into the house, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat.
The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
