A powerful Arctic front is set to blast through our region starting Saturday morning. While it won’t be breaking all-time records, this is expected to be the coldest air we’ve seen in years and will rival some of the colder outbreaks of late December 2022, early January 2012, and mid January 2011.
What you need to know:
SATURDAY (Wind & Gusts): Northwest winds will be the first big impact on Saturday. Sustained winds of 20 to 25 with gusts between 30–40 mph expected. This could cause spotty power outages. For any boaters wanting to hit the water, not only will the Gulf be dangerous given potential gale conditions, but local bays could see very rough waters.
SUNDAY MORNING (The Coldest Morning): This is the coldest window. Wind chills are forecast to drop into the single digits as 10 to 15 mph winds linger. If the wind is even slightly stronger than predicted, some spots could see sub-zero wind chill values. With these wind chills, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes on exposed skin so bundle up!
THE FREEZE: Expect a “deep hard freeze” Saturday night and Sunday night with temperatures bottoming out between 15°F and 20°F. This is cold enough to burst unprotected pipes and damage property.
SNOW? A few flurries on Saturday are possible across the northeast parts of our forecast area north of US 82. Aside from the low probabilities (5 to 15% chance) of a dusting of snow, no accumulation are expected.
THE 4 P’s CHECKLIST:
PEOPLE: Check on neighbors and the elderly.
PETS: Bring them inside!
PLANTS: Cover sensitive vegetation or move it indoors.
PIPES: Wrap outdoor pipes and let your indoor faucets drip.
Stay safe and stay warm!
