Arctic Blast Set to Arrive on Thanksgiving; Dangerous Wind Chills, Lake Effect Snow, Severe Thunderstorms

A significant arctic outbreak will arrive in the northern Rockies and northern Plains on Thanksgiving into Friday and advance farther south and east through much of the Plains and Midwest this weekend. Dangerous wind chill temperatures are expected with a significant long duration lake effect snow event possible downwind of the Great Lakes. Severe thunderstorms may be possible in the Southeast. Read More >

Bitter Wind Chills

Biggest takeaway:
Cold isn’t a problem as long as you have a shelter with power. But what if the power goes out, or you are trapped outside. Stay proactive with your response based on your plan for cold. Arctic outbreaks of cold air are typically well communicated well ahead of the event.

Warning/Trigger for Plan:
NWS Wind Chill Warning (greater threat; alerted on NOAA Weather Radio) –and-
NWS Wind Chill Advisory (some threat; not alerted on NOAA Weather Radio)

Advance Notice/Time to Activate & Accomplish Your Planned Response:
Typically a day to as many as several days.

Frequency:
2-5 Wind Chill Advisories is average, but this can vary widely from winter to winter.
0-2 Wind Chill Warnings is average for exceptional, very dangerous cold.

How Accurate Warnings?
Arctic outbreaks of cold air are typically well forecast and warned for.

Again our region is cold in the winter, but there are days (or strings of days) that are exceptionally cold where frostbite, hypothermia, and medical issues from exposure become much more common and deadly for anyone not adequately protected.
Have a plan for what you will do to mitigate the impacts from exceptionally cold wind chills outdoors.
Also have a plan for extreme cold during a power outage without heat.
Instill concept of “neighbors checking on neighbors”.