Freeze Warning: Temps Near 29°F Risk Crops, Pipes in Jim Wells County

The National Weather Service in Corpus Christi issued a Freeze Warning late Jan. 17 for portions of South Texas, including Jim Wells County communities such as Alice, Orange Grove, Premont and San Diego. The warning said sub-freezing temperatures as low as 29°F were expected between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. CST on Sunday, Jan. 18, creating a five-hour window during which frost and freeze conditions could damage sensitive vegetation and outdoor plumbing.

The advisory was entered at 11:39 p.m. CST Jan. 17 and was part of a coordinated set of forecast products for the Corpus Christi forecast area that remained current into Jan. 18. The immediate risk to residents was twofold: agricultural losses on small-acreage farms and home-garden plots, and property damage from frozen or burst exterior pipes if left unprotected. The NWS specifically recommended protecting tender plants and taking steps to prevent pipes from freezing - wrapping, draining, or allowing them to drip slowly.

For Jim Wells County, even a short-lived freeze can translate into tangible economic costs. Frost can kill or damage young fruit, vegetables and ornamental plants that are not hardy to sub-freezing temperatures, reducing yields and creating replacement costs for growers and home gardeners. For households, the cost of repairing frozen or burst outdoor plumbing - and any resulting water damage - can run into hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on severity and whether repairs are covered by insurance. These losses ripple into local markets by tightening supply of fresh produce and increasing short-term prices at farm stands and grocery outlets.

From a policy perspective, the event highlights the value of preparedness investments by county agencies and the agricultural extension network. Timely advisories like the NWS product provide concrete actions residents can take immediately - covering plants, insulating exposed pipes, and monitoring indoor and outdoor faucets - and also inform decisions about potential emergency assistance or targeted outreach to vulnerable growers. Local officials may consider reinforcing communication channels and post-event damage assessments to determine whether relief or technical support is needed.

Historically, brief freezes remain a recurrent seasonal risk for South Texas growers and homeowners. For Jim Wells County, the practical takeaway is to treat late-winter cold snaps as manageable but costly events: simple, low-cost preventive steps can prevent much larger repair bills and crop losses. Residents should inspect vulnerable plumbing and vegetation for damage, track updates from the National Weather Service, and plan for follow-up assessments if crops or outdoor systems show signs of freeze injury.