Tuscaloosa will be under a hard freeze warning from 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan 7, until 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8.

“An arctic air mass will invade Alabama Wednesday and usher in the coldest temperatures of the winter season,” the National Weather Service wrote in its advisory.

A hard freeze indicates temperatures under 15 degrees over a period of time or sufficiently cold to seriously damage or kill vegetation. Temperatures are expected to range from 8 to 14 degrees along and north of I-20 and from 14 to 18 degrees south of I-20 by Wednesday night. Wind chills will be between 5 to 15 degrees Wednesday evening and drop to single digits after midnight. Wind gusts are expected to reach 30 mph. No freezing rain or snow is expected to accompany the below freezing temperatures.

To prepare for freezing temperatures and prevent potential hypothermia and frostbite, the NWS recommends Tuscaloosa residents try to stay indoors. When going outside, dress in layers and cover exposed skin. When using space heaters, the NWS recommends they be kept at least 3 feet away from furniture and drapes and never be placed near water. To prevent pipes from freezing or bursting, wrap, drain or let faucets drip. Disconnect outdoor hoses and store them in protected areas. The NWS asks residents to protect outdoor pets by bringing them inside during the freezing weather.