Hour-by-Hour: Our Plummet to Subzero Temperatures

Written by Lanning Taliaferro (Patch Staff)

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Advisory and a Special Weather Statement and a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow-Rivertowns area and no wonder: the wind chill will could make it feel like 20 degrees below zero through Friday morning.

“All across the Hudson Valley, expect dangerous wind chills tonight that could result in frostbite and hypothermia if skin is exposed to those conditions for any duration of time,” says Hudson Valley Weather. “Please take proper precautions now, as conditions tonight will be extremely uncomfortable, and even dangerous.”

It was positively balmy yesterday. As weather.com pointed out, 24 degrees at 6 p.m. felt like 24 degrees. Not any more. Last night an arctic front pushed through, bringing some snow squalls overnight, and winds that will increase in strength into Friday.

The local details for today into Friday, Feb. 20:

• 1PM - Today’s high: 20 degrees. But with 23-mph winds, it’ll feel like 4.
• 5PM - 16 degrees. The winds will diminish a little but it’ll feel like 0.
• 8PM - 10 degrees, feeling like -6.
• 11PM - 7 degrees, will feel like -12, winds at 18 mph.
• 2AM - 4 degrees, feeling like -15.
• 6AM - 0 degrees, feeling like -20.
• 8AM - 1 degree above zero. Feeling warmer, only -17, with winds down to 14 mph.
• 3PM - Friday’s high, reaching 17 degrees and feeling like 4 degrees.

Stay safe in the cold

Follow these extreme cold safety tips:

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
• Wear mittens instead of gloves.
• Wear water-repellent clothing.
• Wear a hat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Make sure small children, infants, and the elderly stay warm. They are more vulnerable to the cold.
• Take advantage of warming centers, public park facilities, and heated stores and malls.
• Where possible, try to keep one room in your home heated to 68-70 degrees.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Eat high energy foods and drink warm beverages.
• Beware of overexertion; shoveling snow or pushing disabled cars can be very strenuous and should only be done by individuals in good health.
• Safe heating tips
• Electric heaters can be hazardous and should be used with caution to prevent shock, fire, and burns. Follow the usage instructions carefully and keep clothing and blankets away from heating elements.
• Carbon monoxide can kill. Be careful using fireplaces; make sure flues are clear and properly ventilated.
• Gas ovens, burners, and charcoal should never be used to heat your home.
• NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
• Make sure your car is in good operating condition before using it in extreme cold.
• Keep condensation (water) out of your gas tank by keeping the tank as full as possible.
• Maintain a storm kit in your car with items such as a cell phone and charger; blankets; extra clothing; jumper cables; a flashlight; high-calorie, non-perishable food; and matches or a lighter.
• Plan your trip carefully. If cold, snowy, or icy conditions exceed your ability or your car’s ability, don’t travel.
• Tell someone about your travel plans.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.

Patch Editors Alfred Branch and Brian McCready contributed to this report.

Image via AccuWeather.com

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