Deep Freeze Descending on the Berkshires; Nor'easter Up AheadStaff Reports,
05:24PM / Thursday, January 28, 2021 | |
Temperatures are about to plummet across the region with wind chills as low as 20 below zero.
The National Weather Service has posted a wind chill advisory beginning midnight Thursday through at least noon on Friday.
The bitter cold air coming south from Canada may be accompanied by snow squalls and showers that could make travel hazardous. Friday is expected to be the coldest day so far this winter.
People should avoid being outdoors for lengthy periods over the weekend and to wear loose-fitting layers of warm clothing and a hat. Keep thermostats no lower than 55 and maintain the same temperature for both day and night.
Check on neighbors and family members who may encounter problems with frigid weather and bring pets inside. If animals can't come inside, ensure they have proper shelter and food and water that is not frozen. Also keep salt away from pets' paws.
If using your vehicle, check fluids, battery and tires, and keep jumper cables and a blanket in case of emergency.
The state fire marshal's office is urging caution if trying to thaw frozen pipes or using space heaters.
"We're about to get some bitter cold weather which brings the risk of frozen pipes. It is important keep a bad situation from getting any worse; many people cause fires trying to thaw frozen pipes," said State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey.
Allow faucets to drip to prevent freezing up, especially those on outside walls. If you suspect frozen pipes — only a trickle is coming out of the faucet — use an electric heating pad, hair dryer or towels soak in hot water in the affected area. Do not use open flames — a blowtorch can cause water to boil and pipe to explode. Open flames also present a fire danger and risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Plug space heaters directly into sockets rather than using extension cords and never use a gas oven. Use generators outside Make sure your CO and smoke alarms are in working condition.
The deep freeze is expected to be followed by a major snowstorm that should hit the area Monday through Tuesday.
Accuweather is predicting 6 to 12 inches through the Midwest this weekend and harsh weather as the storm descends on the East Coast.
The AccuWeather forecast team warns that storm could evolve into a major, long-lasting nor'easter near the Atlantic coast where some areas may be pounded by accumulating snow and gusty winds that can produce blizzard conditions for multiple hours.
"We are confident that a strong secondary storm will form and affect the Northeast this time around," AccuWeather Chief Broadcast Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. "But the exact track and speed of strengthening of that storm will determine where the heaviest swath of snow ends up in relation to the coast and areas well inland."
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