From WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
The coldest air so far this season is expected to drop across the region tonight through the weekend. Temperatures well below normal and wind chills in the single digits to single digits below zero are expected over the weekend. The coldest weather is expected west of the I-71 corridor, with slightly warmer temperatures expected east of I-71, especially along the Lake Erie shoreline east of Cleveland. At this time, wind chills will be too warm to warrant Wind Chill Advisories this weekend.
Additional briefings are not scheduled to be sent this weekend unless significant changes occur, but a briefing may be sent early next week to highlight potential for additional cold weather in the mid to late week timeframe. The timing and extent of the coldest air late next week remains uncertain at this time.
- Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Be sure to have several clean masks to use in case your mask becomes wet or damp from snow. Cloth masks should not be worn when they become damp or wet. Be sure to wash your mask regularly.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
o Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow. If you are unable to wear a mask, maintain a distance of at least six feet between yourself and those who are not part of your household.
- If it is safe to do so, check on neighbors while following the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on maintaining social and physical distancing. Consider connecting with family and friends by telephone, e-mail, text messages, video chat, and social media. If you must visit in person, wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least six feet from them. Masks should not be worn by children under two years of age, those who have trouble breathing, and those who are unable to remove them on their own.
The EMA will continue to monitor the situation and provide an update should anything change. Stay warm this weekend.
