Friday, February 7, 2025

As Colder Temps Hit the Region, Local Officials are Offering Tips to Battle the Arctic Chill

Dressing for the weather and hypothermia warning signs are two of the tips local officials are offering ahead of plummeting temps next week (National Weather Service)

WILLIAMSBURG — With temps expected to drop into the low 20s and teens this week, local officials are offering tips to brave the cold.

Lows are forecast in the teens before a slow warmup begins Thursday. By the weekend, lows will remain in the mid-20s with daytime highs forecasted from the mid-20s and low 30s. The National Weather Service in Wakefield was warning Sunday that very cold air will persist over the next 3-4 days, with minimum wind chill values around 0 Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

With the return of cold air, icy conditions could continue as any remaining snow melts, and the weather service was continuing to monitor an outside chance of additional accumulating snow midweek.

Car and Home Tips

As temps drop into the low teens, preparation for homes and vehicles is important.

Create a winter survival kit for all vehicles. Include extra clothes, blankets, a flashlight, sand or cat litter to aid with traction.

Ensure that each vehicle has a full tank of gas and has been topped off with antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. Tire pressure, heaters and defrosters should also be checked.

Let a small amount of water drip from a fixture that is furthest away from the water supply line. In addition, leave cabinet doors open under sinks so heat can reach the pipes. Turn off water supply to outside spigots, remove hoses and attachments and cover the spigots.

Know where the emergency water shut-off valve is located in case of frozen pipes or pipe bursts.

Dressing for Cold Weather

When dressing for extreme cold weather, layers are key. Choose a base layer of moisture-wicking fabric that will help draw sweat away from skin. For a mid-layer, fleece, down, or wool are recommended to trap heat. The outer layer of clothing should be waterproof and windproof and offer protection from the elements.

Other clothing items to consider include long underwear, wool socks, a warm hat that can cover the ears, mittens, gloves, scarves, and insulated boots.

Pet Safety

Virginia law prohibits leaving dogs chained or tethered outside when the temperature is 32 degrees or below. Experts warn dogs who are kept permanently chained and penned outside or outdoor cats can often go without adequate food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Animals who are left outdoors in the cold can suffer from frostbite and exposure, and dogs who are kept tethered can become tangled and die when they’re unable to reach food, water, or shelter.

When putting down ice melt, be conscious of buying pet-safe brands. Dogs often lick their paws, and it’s easier to ingest things, like ice and snow melt, that they’ve stepped on. Using a pet-safe ice and snow melt can be just as effective, and help keep your dog safe in the event that they do trail some inside.

Good Samaritans who see companion animals kept chained or penned outside 24/7 or without adequate shelter from the elements should note the animals’ exact location and alert local law-enforcement authorities immediately.

Resources

Shelters are open in the area. Community of Faith Mission is a faith-based emergency shelter program that serves those experiencing homelessness in the greater Williamsburg community. The Jan. 19-26 shelter will be located at King of Glory Lutheran Church.

The shelter is open Sunday-Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. The program operates with a maximum capacity of 25 people per night.

For the most up-to-date information on cold weather, visit vaemergency.gov.

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