Ah, the Lowcountry. Where we bask in mild winters, sipping sweet tea on porches well into December. But then it happens: the weatherman whispers the dreaded words—“freeze warning.” Cue the collective panic.
Suddenly, grocery carts overflow with bread and milk (why, exactly?), neighbors swap survival tips like we’re preparing for a polar vortex, and garden centers sell out of frost blankets overnight. It’s practically tradition. But let’s take a breath and sort out the practical from the overblown.
What to Actually Worry About During a Freeze
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Your Plants
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The Lowcountry’s lush greenery isn’t used to temperatures below 32°F. While hardy plants like camellias, hollies, and palms can handle a little cold, tropical favorites like hibiscus, crotons, and bougainvillea need protection.
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Cover sensitive plants with breathable frost cloth or old bedsheets—not plastic! This traps heat without suffocating them. Watering your plants earlier in the day can also insulate the roots, as moist soil retains warmth better than dry soil.
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Outdoor Faucets and Hoses
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Yes, you really should undo those hoses and cover spigots. While we don’t get sustained freezes like our northern friends, a hard freeze can burst pipes, leading to costly repairs. A foam faucet cover (or even a towel wrapped with duct tape) does the trick.
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Pets
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Bring your furry friends indoors. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. And don’t forget outdoor animals like chickens—they’ll appreciate extra bedding and a windbreak.
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Icy Roads
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While rare, bridges and overpasses can freeze quickly. Use caution if you absolutely must drive. And no, you don’t need to chain your tires—we’re not in Minnesota.
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What’s Overblown?
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The Milk and Bread Frenzy
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Unless you’re planning to make a lifetime’s worth of French toast, you probably don’t need to clean out the grocery store. Our freezes are fleeting, and power outages are uncommon during cold snaps.
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The Parka Parade
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Do you really need that ski jacket for 30°F? Probably not. Layers are your friend. A light sweater and a good windbreaker usually suffice, even for chilly Lowcountry mornings. Just add some fun socks and your flip flops will still work beautifully.
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Covering Every Single Plant
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Not all plants need coddling. Live oaks, azaleas, and most native shrubs will weather a freeze just fine. Focus your efforts on the tropical beauties and annuals that are more sensitive.
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The Lowcountry Cold Snap Personality Shift
There’s no denying it—a freeze brings out some of the most entertaining quirks in our community. Suddenly, we all become amateur meteorologists, obsessively checking our weather apps and debating the accuracy of the forecast. The usually laid-back Lowcountry vibe shifts into high gear as we tackle emergency preparations—albeit for a freeze that often doesn’t last more than 48 hours.
Embrace the Chill
Here’s the thing: a little cold snap can be a fun change of pace. Build a fire, make some hot cocoa, and laugh at the novelty of it all. Remember, we’ll be back to shorts and flip-flops in no time. So, undo those hoses, throw a blanket over your favorite tropical plant, and enjoy the brief wintry mix that keeps life in the Lowcountry interesting.
And while we’re on the subject of making the most of the Lowcountry lifestyle, it’s worth noting that Allison Cobb and The Cobb Group brokered by eXp Realty are here to help you find the perfect home to enjoy all seasons—even the chilly ones. Known for their local expertise and personalized approach, they make navigating the Bluffton and Hilton Head real estate market a breeze. Learn more at The Cobb Group!
Written by Allison Cobb
The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or emissions in the content of this blog. The information provided on is an “as is” basis with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.
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