EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER ARRIVING TONIGHT AND CONTINUING THROUGH AT LEAST THURSDAY MORNING

A very cold Arctic airmass will build into the region tonight.
Although much of the area will see typical January temperatures
today, lows tonight will be 15 to 20 degrees below normal for this
time of year. Expect temperatures to fall into the teens tonight
across the foothills and Piedmont, and single digits in most of
the mountains, with some high elevations falling below zero. Highs
in many areas will not rise above freezing Monday. Similar
temperature trends will recur Tuesday and Wednesday. This
prolonged cold period meets the definition of a "cold wave." Its
duration sets it apart from cold snaps of the kind we see multiple
times each winter, and the associated impacts are expected to be
more significant.

The cold weather will result in high demand for electricity across
the region. Power outages may result from the heavy electrical
load. Those who require electricity for heating or medical
equipment should consider backup heat or electrical sources.

Take steps now to protect your property and health from the
extreme cold. If you go outside, wear several layers of loose
fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy
clothing. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat and cover
your mouth with a scarf. If driving, keep your gas tank near full
to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Check your antifreeze and
windshield washer fluid levels. Be sure to carry a fully charged
cell phone.

If you are home, consider allowing indoor plumbing fixtures to
drip to allow water to trickle through pipes and inhibit freezing.
Use caution with space heaters in order to avoid fire or injury.
If emergency generators will be used, they must be situated
outdoors in well-ventilated areas to prevent carbon monoxide
poisoning. Also, remember to check in on family, friends, and
elderly neighbors who might be susceptible to the cold. Do not
forget about your pets and livestock. Make sure they have a source
of water that will not freeze and a warm place to take shelter
from the wind and cold.

Do not attempt to walk on frozen ponds, lakes, or streams, as the
ice will not be thick enough to support the weight, even of a
child.

A cold wave is defined as average daily temperatures 12 degrees or
more below normal mid-January average daily temperatures for 48
hours or longer.