The Northeast is feeling the full force of a life-threatening cold spell this weekend, with temperatures dropping well below zero and wind chill warnings and advisories in effect for all of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and northern counties of Pennsylvania. This summary blog post will provide a concise overview of the extreme weather conditions and the measures being taken to protect vulnerable groups in the region.
Governors across the region have urged people to stay indoors and limit their time outdoors, while shelters and warming centers have been opened to provide aid to those in need. In Maine, the National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for Penobscot and Aroostook counties, with the worst impacts expected in northern Maine. Maine State Police have warned drivers of deteriorating road conditions and “blinding whiteouts” in open areas.
The dangerously cold winds are descending on the region from Canada, and temperatures in northern Maine are expected to feel as cold as minus 69 degrees. In addition, a new national record for lowest wind chill temperature was likely recorded at the tallest peak in the Northeast, Mount Washington in New Hampshire, with a reported wind chill of minus 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
Further south, severe cold weather has also led to ongoing power outages across Texas and Arkansas as an ice storm lashed the region, killing at least eight people. In New York City, a “cold blue” has been issued, requiring the city to make resources available to the public.
In Erie County, officials have issued a “code blue” and opened three overnight shelters and daytime warming centers. Similarly, several ski areas have closed due to the severe cold in Vermont, New Hampshire, and other states.
The Northeast is in the midst of a dangerous cold spell, and it is essential to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and protect vulnerable groups. With temperatures forecasted to stay below zero, it is important to stay indoors and limit time outdoors, and to take advantage of the resources available to those in need.
Source: www.cnn.com