News:

Arctic temperatures, snow to expand across the region this week

By MANDY COLOSIMO
Era Reporter
news@bradfordera.com

Era photo by Wade Aiken Hooded sweatshirts won’t be enough to keep area residents warm this week, as temperatures are expected to fall to 10 degrees below zero at times. Coupled with wind chill and a chance of snow accumulation every day, a clipper system will blast the region with brutal weather, according to a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Bureau in State College.

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Hats, mittens, boots and scarves will be the mandatory attire this week as temperatures prepare to take a nosedive.

Because the snow over the weekend wasn’t enough, this week the area will be blasted with arctic air and yet more snow.

There will be snow accumulation of at least a couple of inches every day this week, and the temperatures are going to be cold — possibly as low as 10 degrees below zero at times, according to Greg DeVoir, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Bureau in State College.

“It’s not as bad as it could be, but it will be bad enough,” said DeVoir.

The expected stinging weather is due to a clipper system moving into the area Tuesday night. Frigid air from Canada will blow in, dropping temperatures to around zero by Wednesday morning, with wind chills well below zero.

Not only will the mercury plummet but, one to three more inches of snow are expected as well.

This pattern is reported to hit the area not once, but twice this week.

The first blast will come about Tuesday night, but by Wednesday night and into Thursday, the region will see more lake effect snow. That will be followed by another round of crisp cold air and snow Thursday night and into Friday.

By Friday, the temperatures will still only be in the single digits.

With temperatures reaching the lowest points for such a sustained amount of time this week, the following safety precautions for the use of space heaters is provided. First, fires and burn can be caused by items being too close to the heat source. Second, improper venting can cause indoor air pollution and result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

Use care and caution when using gas, wood, kerosene or electric space heaters. Keep children and pets clear of the unit, and do not leave the heater on when sleeping or unattended to reduce the chances of fire.

Also, as the temperature falls, serious heath concerns arise.

The American Red Cross Web site provides the following steps to stay safe in freezing weather.

Dress appropriately to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Dress in layers and keep your head covered. Wear boots. Get out of wet clothes immediately and wrap yourself in a blanket to warm the core body temperature.

Also, recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: Confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical help if you have these symptoms. Frostbite is just as important to know the symptoms and how to treat. They include: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness and waxy feeling skin. Get medical attention immediately if you notice the above.

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