Caledon residents are being urged to protect their gardens, trees and crops as temperatures are expected to fall to near the freezing mark tonight into early Saturday morning, according to Environment Canada.
The federal weather agency has issued an alert for the area, warning that the cold conditions could cause damage to plants, trees and crops.
"Take preventative measures to protect cold-sensitive plants, trees, and crops," the alert states. "Cover up plants, especially those in frost-prone areas."
What the alert means
Environment Canada issues alerts to notify people in affected areas of Ontario when severe weather threatens, so they can take steps to protect themselves and their property from harm. The type of alert issued depends on how severe the weather event is and when it is expected to happen.
The agency uses several categories of alerts. Special statements are issued to highlight significant weather or to express uncertainty about a forecast. Watches alert the public that conditions are favourable for a storm or severe weather that could raise safety concerns. Warnings are urgent messages that severe weather is either happening or is about to happen, and are typically issued six to 24 hours ahead of the event.
How to protect plants and crops
With temperatures set to approach the freezing mark overnight, the alert advises covering plants, particularly those in low-lying or frost-prone areas where cold air tends to settle. Gardeners and growers are encouraged to act before the cold arrives rather than after damage has been done.
Environment Canada is also asking residents to continue monitoring alerts and forecasts as conditions develop.
Reporting severe weather
Anyone who observes severe weather in the area can report it by email to Environment Canada at ONstorm@ec.gc.ca, or by posting reports on social media using the hashtag #ONStorm. Those reports help meteorologists track conditions as they unfold.
Residents can stay informed of updates by checking the latest alerts and forecasts from Environment Canada before heading out Saturday morning.
