South Florida’s agricultural community is preparing for potentially freezing temperatures that could severely damage crops. Farmers spent Saturday readying their fields, including running irrigation systems to protect plants from frost.
Mick Gnagy, a local grower, uses diesel-powered irrigation to keep his four acres of crops from freezing. He explained that without water running over the plants, the near-freezing temperatures in the 30s could destroy his produce, potentially causing millions of dollars in losses. Gnagy said he will continue to monitor and run sprinklers through the night to safeguard his crops.
Tourists visiting Florida weren’t prepared for the unusual cold. Some had to buy coats to cope with the low temperatures. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to the cold, especially for those working outdoors, can increase the risk of hypothermia, with symptoms including shivering, confusion, and slow heart rate.