Central Coast prepares for freezing temperatures…
The Central Coast has been spoiled with warm weather the past few weeks, but that will not be the case to start off this week. Officials around the region are warning residents to get prepared for freezing temperatures.
National Weather Service says temperatures could get as low as the 20’s overnight, with Snow as low as 1500ft.
Warming Center Program Director Brent Adams says warming centers will be opening up in Santa Cruz County Monday and Tuesday night. “With temperatures at 38 to 35 degrees anybody can get hypothermia, we have very moist air in this area, a little bit of breeze and right away people can feel like they’re freezing to death, And they are.”
Adams says Santa Cruz County has already seen one hypothermia related death this year.
The Warming Centers are open in both Santa Cruz and Watsonville. The Watsonville center will open Monday and Tuesday night at the United Presbyterian Church on 2nd street. The Santa Cruz center will only be open Monday at 8pm at the Quaker Meeting House.
California Highway Patrol is also warning drivers to be careful during freezing temps. They said when temps dip this low there is a chance for black ice even if it does not rain. “You can’t see it until you’re already driving over it. and you lose traction on your tires. Just remember to slow down, don’t be in a hurry and leave with a lot of time,” says Officer Jessica Madueno.
If is cold for you, it is likely too cold for your pet. Chuck Aring with Scotts Valley Feed says you want to bring your pets inside during these cold temperatures. Even an hour un-attended in the cold can put their lives at risk. “Their core temperature can drop really quick and they’re not going to be able to get it back up quickly when they do come inside so you want to make sure they are attended to,” says Aring.
If your pets are left outside during the day, officials say to make sure they have an insulated area to stay. Also, if their water supply is outside, check that it does not freeze over.
