Freeze watch has been issued for Antelope Valley & LA County mountains starting Wednesday evening

PALMDALE, CA (CNS/ FOX 11) - County health officials today issued a cold weather alert and freeze watch warning due to low temperatures forecast for the Antelope Valley and Los Angeles County mountains beginning tomorrow.

The alert issued by Los Angeles County's interim health officer, Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, warned of expected wind chill temperatures below freezing beginning Wednesday night and extending through Sunday.

"Children, the elderly and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during such cold snaps," Gunzenhauser said. "Extra precaution should be taken to ensure they don't get too cold when they
are outside."

Gunzenhauser noted that shelters and other public facilities offer places where people can stay warm, and he also warned against using stoves, barbecues or ovens to heat homes because of the risk of carbon monoxide
poisoning.

Locations available through a Winter Shelter Program for seniors and others looking to stay warm can be viewed on the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority's website at http://www.lahsa.org/winter--shelter--program.asp, or by calling the county's 211 information line. A TDD line for the deaf or hearing
impaired is available at (800) 660-4026.

According to the National Weather Service, "a cold and dry air mass will settle over the region and bring sub-freezing temperatures" to the Antelope Valley and other interior areas of Los Angeles County.

A freeze watch is in effect for late Wednesday through Thursday morning, with several hours of temperatures between 27 and 32 degrees expected, according to the NWS.

"Sensitive plants and crops can be damaged and unsheltered animals can be harmed," the weather service advised. "Protective measures to save outdoor plants may be needed. Vulnerable animals and pets should be kept indoors in a house or barn."

Copyright 2015 FOX 11 Los Angeles : Download our mobile app for breaking news alerts or to watch FOX 11 News | Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.