Southeastern North Carolina experienced its first hard freeze of the season this Tuesday, marking the end of the growing season for many. Inland areas saw temperatures plummet into the upper 20s, while coastal regions hovered near the freezing mark at 32°F. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Wilmington issued a Freeze Warning, which remained in effect until 9 a.m., advising residents to protect sensitive plants and take precautions to prevent frozen pipes.