Wind Chill Warning Issued

Wind Chill Warning Issued

By Jean Perry

An arctic blast is underway for the area and the US National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning for parts of Massachusetts including Mattapoisett, Marion, and Rochester, warning of life-threatening wind chills.

A wind chill warning is issued when the wind chill index is expected to fall below negative 25 degrees Fahrenheit for at least three hours.

Temperatures are plummeting into the low teens to single digits, with a wind chill factor of 25 degrees below zero, possible as low as 34 degrees below zero tonight into tomorrow.

Winds could gust up to 30 to 40 miles per hour, and possibly up to 50 mph Saturday night through Sunday morning.

The coast is also under a freezing spray warning until noon on Sunday morning, which could result in heavy accumulation of ice on vessels and coastal structures as cold and wind conditions cause tiny droplets of water to accumulate and freeze.

Frostbite could occur on exposed skin within just ten minutes and wind gusts could pose the threat of downed tree limbs and power lines.

Temperatures are expected to set a new low record.

Dress in layers, keep all skin covered and unexposed to the elements, and limit outdoor activity. If going outdoors, cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from the frigid air, wear a hat, and wear mittens, which are warmer that gloves.

The American Red Cross advises leaving faucets trickling and keeping the heat set to the same temperature at night as during the day and keep it set to no lower than 55 degrees.

Be extra cautious of fires as many people use alternative sources of heat that increase the occurrence of fires during cold snaps.

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