Arctic cold wave will impact central North Carolina through
this weekend...
A very cold air mass settling over the region will bring
dangerously frigid temperatures and wind chills through the
weekend. Readings will be as low as 12 to 22 degrees below normal
for this time of year. After lows tonight in the mid teens to mid
20s, highs Saturday will only be in the upper 20s to mid 30s.
Blustery winds will push wind chills down into the single digits
and teens tonight, and in the teens for much of the day Saturday.
Lows Saturday night into Sunday morning will be in the teens
across central North Carolina, with wind chills in the single
digits. Highs Sunday will be in the 30s.
Take steps now to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your
property from the extreme cold. Limit your time outside, if
possible. Hypothermia can result with prolonged exposure and a
lack of proper clothing. If you do go outside, wear several
layers of loose fitting, warm clothing rather than one layer of
heavy clothing. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat, and
cover your mouth with a scarf. If driving, keep your gas tank near
full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Check your
antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels. Be sure to carry a
fully charged cell phone.
If you are at home, consider allowing indoor plumbing fixtures to
drip, to allow water to trickle through pipes and inhibit
freezing. Use caution with space heaters in order to avoid fire or
injury. Never bring outdoor heating sources such as grills
indoors. If emergency generators will be used, they must be
situated outdoors in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning. Also, remember to check in on family, friends,
and elderly neighbors who might be susceptible to the cold. Do
not forget about your pets and livestock. Make sure they have a
source of water that will not freeze and a warm place to take
shelter from the wind and cold.