Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Binghamton say a dangerously cold blast of arctic air is expected to arrive over our region Friday night and persist through the weekend. The ‘feels-like’ temperatures will plunge to as low as -10 to -20 degrees between late Friday and Saturday morning, with a prolonged period of well below average temperatures extending into early next week.
The Department of Emergency Response is reminding residents to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against frostbite and hypothermia. Dangerously low wind chills can pose a risk to anyone outdoors for extended periods of time without protective clothing.
Signs of hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling of hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
Frostbite is the freezing of specific body parts such as fingers, toes, the nose, or earlobes. Signs of frostbite include a lack of feeling in the affected area; skin that appears waxy, is cold to the touch, or is discolored.
Meteorologist Kaitlyn Lardeo at the NWS Binghamton Office warns "The combination of very cold temperatures and gusty winds creates dangerous wind chills which diminishes the onset time of frostbite and hypothermia."
Geoff Dunn, Community Preparedness Coordinator for Tompkins County Emergency Response, advises “Limit your time outdoors, dress in layers, and be sure to wear gloves, a hat and a scarf to protect your face. If signs of hypothermia or frostbite appear, get out of the cold immediately and call 9-1-1.”
On top of the extreme cold, confidence is increasing among forecasters for a winter storm that could produce a widespread significant snowfall early Sunday morning through Monday, with the heaviest snowfall occurring Sunday morning through evening. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the entire area from late Saturday night through Monday, with total snow accumulation in the range of 6 to 12 inches.
A “Code Blue” shelter at 227 Cherry Street in Ithaca, operated by Volunteers of America, is open 24/7 and serves as a daytime warming center with support services and provides beds every night, regardless of Code Blue status or weather conditions. View the
Code Blue Ithaca Flyer for details and contact information. Walk-ins are welcome; no referrals needed.
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