NATCHEZ — Residents are advised to protect their plants, pets and pipes from cold, wet weather during the next two days, Adams County Emergency Management Director Stan Owens said Wednesday.

The National Weather Service declared a hard freeze warning Wednesday evening until noon today.

Cold, wind and freezing precipitation is expected to continue until Saturday, Owens said.

“We’re going to stay in the 20s and 30s in the next couple of days for sure,” he said.

The NWS also declared a winter storm watch Wednesday evening until noon today because of high chances of precipitation, Owens said.

Precipitation could start as early as today but will more than likely occur tonight and Friday morning.

He said the storms will deliver a “wintry mix,” which may include freezing rain, sleet and snow.

Friday morning will bring the biggest chances of weather hassles.

“(Residents) may wake up Friday morning to possibly some power outages and/or hazardous road conditions,”

Owens said.

“There is a very good chance there is going to be a messy weather situation (before Saturday),” Owens said.

Natchez Water Works Superintendent and City Engineer David Gardner said there are steps people can take to prevent their pipes from freezing.

Leave a slow drip in a faucet in the back of the house that is furthest away from the water meter and the street. That way the water runs through more water lines in the house, Gardner said.

In the event that pipes freeze, Gardner said to let the pipes thaw out and call a plumber, in most cases.

If a house is raised, leaving pipes exposed to wind, Garnder said residents might consider skirting underneath the house to prevent freezing.

He also suggested outside pipes be wrapped with foam insulation if they are exposed to cold winds.