Never mind the ghouls and goblins roaming the streets of Knoxville, searching for some sweet treats. The really scary news for Halloween night is the first hard freeze of the year − maybe.

While other parts of Tennessee are under a freeze warning as early as Oct. 31, the Knoxville area currently is seeing a freeze watch starting Nov. 1 after midnight, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures in Knoxville and the surrounding region might dip below 30 degrees overnight on Halloween with a high below 50, a giant drop from the T-shirt weather the area enjoyed over the past weekend with highs in the 80s.

When is the freeze watch for Knoxville, East Tennessee?

A cold front will bring light rainfall to the region, followed by a sharp drop in the temperatures heading into Oct. 31. A hard freeze is expected the morning of Nov. 1 for most locations, the National Weather Service said.

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The freeze watch includes Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Chattanooga and Gatlinburg, and runs from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. Sub-freezing temperatures are expected in the 20s. Brisk northwest winds 5 to 15 miles per hour will make it feel 5 to 10 degrees colder than the actual temperatures, the weather service said.

Hard freeze to hit Knoxville, East Tennessee

The first hard freeze of the year has the potential to kill unprotected plants and crops, and possibly even cause a burst water pipe if you have any unprotected outside.

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The weather service cautions people to take precautions ahead of time. Here are some things to keep in mind as colder temperatures hit.

• Pipes and water lines are two of the most important items to protect during these cold temperatures. Make sure outdoor water pipes are covered, drained or left dripping to prevent freezing or bursting.
• Make sure to keep at least half a tank of gas in your vehicle. This reduces the risk of ice forming in your fuel lines.
• Cover sensitive plants or bring them inside if possible. If you are able to store your potted plants inside, bring them in during these cold temperatures. 
• Like people, dogs and cats are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia.  Bring them inside to keep them warm, cozy and safe.
• Don’t forget your gutters. Dirt and debris are known factors in filling up your gutters. When cold weather moves in, that dirt and debris can cause ice to build up. 

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Do I really need to leave taps dripping inside to prevent pipes bursting?

According to the Red Cross, the short answer to that question is yes, you do. It’s recommended to let water drip from faucets in cold weather for one important reason: to prevent pipes from freezing. Running water through the pipe, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are those in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets, as well as pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

At what temperature can my plants freeze?

The classification of freeze temperatures is based on the effect the temperature has on plants, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac:

• Light freeze: 29° to 32°F — Tender plants are killed.
• Moderate freeze: 25° to 28°F — Widely destructive to most vegetation.
• Severe freeze: 24°F and colder — Heavy damage to most garden plants.

Knoxville weather forecast

• Oct. 31: Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 56. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Tuesday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 29. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
• Nov. 1: Widespread frost before 9 a.m., and sunny, with a high near 49. There will be widespread frost after 11 p.m., with a low around 27.
• Nov. 2: Widespread frost before 10 a.m., with a high near 57. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Thursday night is predicted to dip to 32 degrees.

Liz Kellar is a Tennessee Connect reporter. Email liz.kellar@knoxnews.com.

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