Extreme Cold Weather or as I like to call it #RoCold has returned

Now that we all have enjoyed the snowfall and have had sometime to play in it. The even more serious side of this weather system moves into the county and the area. I coined the phrase #RoCold a few years ago when "Extreme Cold" air moved into the county. One of the students in the Carson Theater program create the below meme about it at that point and being a "Game of Thrones" fan I of course loved it! 

As you can see form the cover photo of this article we are going to get into a very cold and dangerous situation here in Rowan County tonight. It is going to get even colder here in the county tomorrow night as well.

Extremely cold air comes every winter in at least part of the country and affect millions of people across the United States. The arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values. People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. Hypothermia is another threat during extreme cold. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce.

Check the Forecast at http://www.rowancountyweather.com  Make checking the forecast part of your regular routine so you'll know when to expect cold weather.

Adjust Your Schedule: If possible, adjust your schedule to avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, typically the early morning. Try to find a warm spot for your children while waiting for the school bus outside.

Protect Your Pets, Livestock and other Property: If you have pets or farm animals, make sure they have plenty of food and water, and are not overly exposed to extreme cold. Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze. Know the temperature thresholds of your plants and crops.

Make sure to also check on the elderly whether they are your loved ones, neighbors, friends or even a general acquaintance.

Fill up the tank: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a half a tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded.

Dress for the outdoors even if you don't think you'll be out much.

f you or someone you care about must venture outdoors during extreme cold this winter, dress in layers. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Try to seek shelter from the wind as much as possible while outside. Once inside again, change into dry clothing immediately if you are wet. Understand and watch for frostbite and hypothermia.

Update Your Winter Car Survival Kit: Make sure your car survival kit has the following:

Jumper cables: might want to include flares or reflective triangle

Flashlights: with extra batteries

First Aid Kit: remember any necessary medications, baby formula and diapers if you have a small child

Food: non-perishable food such as canned food and a can opener, and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars

Water: at least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days

Basic toolkit: pliers, wrench, screwdriver

Pet supplies: food and water

Radio: battery or hand cranked

Cat litter or sand: for better tire traction

Shovel to dig out snow

Ice scraper for your windshield

Clothes: warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold

Blankets or sleeping bags

Charged Cell Phone: and car charger

Wind Chill values during the overnight are likely to reach negative values. I am forecasting -1º

Now as stated in the beginning of this article. This does not end tonight we are going to be even colder tomorrow night. We are also in the early stages of at least 80 hours below freezing here in Rowan County. The cold is not going to last forever. We will start to thaw out on Tuesday and may even see highs in the upper 50's by the end of next week. So what should you do after the cold air moves out?

Essential Tasks After it Warms Up

Check Your Pipes: Your pipes may be frozen. Water pipes on exterior walls and in places that are subject to cold, like in the basement, attic, and under kitchen cabinets, freeze most often. Water expands as it freezes, causing pipes to burst. If they are frozen, first turn on the faucet. Water will drip as you warm the pipes. Heat the pipes using a space heater, heating pad, electric hair dryer, or hot water on a cloth. Never use an open flame. Continue until water pressure returns to normal or call a plumber if you have more issues.

Salt Your Walkways: Once it warms up enough to get out, it's important to shovel the snow from your sidewalks and driveway or sprinkle salt if there is ice.. If there is a thick layer of snow on the ground you cannot move, salt the area so that the snow melts. You should also put down salt if there is ice on your stairs leading into your house--less than a quarter inch of ice can be dangerous!

Call Your Neighbors: Check to see that your neighbors are okay after the storm, particularly seniors, disabled persons or others living alone. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms, particularly when there are power outages. Cases of frostbite and hypothermia are also common for elderly people who were stuck in their homes.

Refill Your Supplies: This storm may be over, but there might be another one soon. Every storm is different, so it is important to always be prepared.

I will continue to provide updates right here and on my social media outlets. Stay safe and warm everyone! As always thank you for following Rowan County Weather!