Temperatures and wind chills began plummeting Sunday morning as an arctic assault of frigid temperatures plunges into our area. Daytime temperatures will range from -5° below zero to near zero for the North Country today and between zero and 9° above zero for central New York. Wind chills region-wide will be between -10° and -15° below zero. Unfortunately, as we return to school and work Monday morning, a bitter wake up call is on the way. Wind chill warnings are in effect for parts of the area for tonight through Monday morning.
The coldest air will occur across the North Country and also across sections of the Mohawk Valley and points south into Madison, Chenango and Otsego counties. These areas are likely to be nearly clear much or all of the overnight and into Monday morning. Click on the maps shown on this web story to see extra details. Much of Jefferson, Lewis, northern Oneida and parts of Herkimer counties will have temperatures between -20° to -30° below zero. Those numbers would produce frostbite on exposed skin in about 20 to 30 minutes. The Adirondacks and Saranac Lake could see temperatures between -30° to -40° below zero. Those types of readings create frostbite in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. Closer to the immediate central New York area, assuming that lake effect snow showers and clouds clear up for Syracuse later at night and towards early Monday morning, temperatures will have an opportunity to approach -10° to -15° below zero. This will threaten a century-old record of -14° below zero set back in 1907. Temperatures between -10° to -15° have the potential of creating frostbite on exposed skin in about 45 to 60 minutes. Here is a wind chill chart to keep handy.
You should keep an eye on www.CNYcentral.com and to Today in Central New York starting at 4:56am Monday morning to see if your school has a delay or possibly a closing. Different school districts have different policies on how and if they close. So, stay tuned! Monday morning may also be a day that some car batteries refuse to turn over car engines. I would not be surprised if AAA is overwhelmed with calls of dead or struggling batteries! Don't forget to keep your pets inside as often as possible with cold temperatures like this.
Keep in mind that there will also be some localized snow showers, flurries and squalls over sections of central New York through Sunday evening. Wherever snow accumulates, the salt-brine mixture will not be as effected in melting snow because the temperatures are so cold. This will require multiple snow plow passes with salt to help melt any snow. The steadiest snow should occur across Monroe, Wayne and Cayuga counties. Parts of western Oswego, and possibly parts of Onondaga and Cortland counties may get some snow showers Sunday evening. Areas south of the Finger Lakes may also see some localized accumulations, too.
We should remember to be prepared for these frigid conditions by taking precautions. Here is a summary from the National Weather Service in Buffalo on what to do:
Be prepared for frigid conditions:
An arctic airmass will build across the region and bring frigid temperatures and bitterly cold wind chills. Here are some things to remember to keep you and your family safe while dealing with the extreme cold. If you must be outdoors, dress for the cold. Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air between the layers acts as an insulator. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded. Always wear a cap or hat. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from the extreme cold. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other.
Remember, cold temperatures put an extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion increases the risk of a heart attack. To avoid problems, stay warm, dress warm and slow down when working outdoors. Take frequent rests to avoid over exertion.
People working or playing outdoors can develop frostbite and not even know it. There is no pain associated with the early stages of frostbite, so learn to watch for these danger signs. First, the skin may feel numb and become flushed. Then, it turns white or grayish yellow. Frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch. If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area. Cover the affected area with something warm and dry. Never rub it. Then get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible.
Protecting your water pipes:
When it is cold outside, let hot and cold water trickle from a faucet on an outside wall. Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall. Make sure the heat is on and set to no lower than 55 degrees. If you plan to be away, have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing.
If your pipes freeze, make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water in case pipes burst. Stopping the water flow will minimize the damage to your home. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.
Using a generator or alternate heat source:
If you lose power and plan on running a generator, make sure that the generator is location outdoors and is properly ventilated. Space heaters should also be properly ventilated and used only if they are operating properly. Make sure snow does not block exhausts and fresh air intakes for high efficiency furnaces and water heaters. If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips. Follow manufacturers instructions. Use only the correct fuel for your unit. Refuel outdoors only and only when the unit is cool. Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
Fire safety:
Use wood-burning stoves and fireplaces safely. Always keep a screen around an open flame. never use gasoline to start your fireplace. Never burn charcoal indoors. Do not close the damper when ashes are hot. When using alternative heat sources, such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc, always make sure you have proper ventilation. Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces. Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors, and make sure they work.
A few simple precautions and you and your family can remain safe while dealing with the extreme cold conditions.
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