North Bay Freeze Warning Prompts Sonoma County Health Advisory

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — In response to the National Weather Service’s prediction for freezing overnight lows expected through 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sonoma County public health officials issued a freeze warning and frost advisory.

According to the weather service, a freeze warning goes into effect at 3 a.m. Tuesday for the interior valleys of the North Bay, including the cities of Santa Rosa, Napa, San Rafael, Petaluma, Novato and Rohnert Park.

Temperatures from the mid-20s to 30 degrees were forecast overnight Monday into Tuesday.

"It is recommended to limit time outdoors, as serious medical conditions including hypothermia and frostbite, can develop with prolonged cold weather exposure," county officials said in a statement issued just after 6:30 p.m. Monday. "Hypothermia and frostbite are both dangerous conditions that can occur when a person is exposed to extremely low temperatures. Those most at risk include older adults with inadequate food, clothing or heating."

Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, fumbling hands, the county said. In babies, bright red, cold skin and low energy are symptoms of hypothermia.

Effects of frostbite include redness, white or grayish-yellow in any area of the skin, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy or numbness,

Hypothermia and frostbite are serious medical conditions; the county said anyone who may be suffering from these or any other medical emergency should go to a local emergency room or call 911.

Additional considerations should be taken for sensitive plants and crops which may die in these conditions, the county said.

"Be sure to properly shelter pets and livestock in warm and dry places," the county said. "Outdoor plumbing and irrigation may become damaged if not prepared for these freezing conditions."