Forecasters are predicting an arctic blast of cold air will impact our region late tonight through Saturday. Dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills are expected during this time, especially Friday night into Saturday. The cold air will be short-lived, however, with a return to above normal temperatures for the second half of the weekend.
Mark Pellerito, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Binghamton, said “This will be by far the coldest air we’ve experienced this winter, with confidence fairly high of seeing wind chills of -15 to -20 degrees for Tompkins County Friday night.” A Wind Chill Advisory goes into effect at 7:00am Friday.
The Department of Emergency Response is reminding residents to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against frostbite and hypothermia.
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.
Emergency Shelter is available on nights with temperatures that go below 32*. To access emergency shelter under Tompkins County Dept. of Social Services' "Code Blue" program, persons should report to Social Services at 320 W. MLK Jr St./State St.during business hours (8:00am-4:30pm) or report to St John’s Community Services at 618 W. MLK Jr St./State St. in Ithaca for emergencies after hours. Sheltering will be provided for those in need. Information regarding other services, supports, and community resources are made available to those utilizing emergency shelter. Call Emergency Services at DSS at: 607-274-5644 or 607-274-5341.
“It’s important to remember that well below zero wind chills can lead to frostbite on exposed skin in a matter of minutes,” stated Geoff Dunn, Community Preparedness Coordinator for Tompkins County Emergency Response. “Limit your time outdoors, dress in layers, and be sure to wear gloves, a hat and a scarf to protect your face.”
For more information on winter weather safety, visit: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/tompkinsready or http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
Contact: Geoff Dunn, Community Preparedness Coordinator, Department of Emergency Response, (607) 257-3888.