‘Tonight is the core of this cold air,’ says 3News’ Senior Meteorologist Matt Wintz. ‘We’ll have wind chill values -15 to -27 degrees when the wind blows tonight.’
CLEVELAND — It’s about to get even colder as dangerously frigid air invades Northeast Ohio with wicked wind chills, which is why the National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for the region from 7 p.m. Tuesday until 10 a.m. Wednesday.
This will replace the previously issued Cold Weather Advisory.
“It’s going to get worse before it gets better,” says 3News’ Senior Meteorologist Matt Wintz.
That’s why hundreds of schools have decided to close Tuesday and Wednesday.
iAlert: Check the full list of school closings
“Tonight is the core of this cold air,” Wintz says. “We’ll have wind chill values -15 to -27 degrees when the wind blows tonight.”
Wednesday morning, the actual air temperatures will be well below zero — and that’s not factoring in the wind chill.
“It doesn’t get much better until 3-4 o’clock in the afternoon and it’s still bitterly cold tomorrow,” Wintz says.
RELATED: FORECAST | See the extended weather outlook for Northeast Ohio
The National Weather Service warns that these dangerous conditions could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Here are other safety precautions as listed by NWS:
- Dress in layers including a hat, face mask and gloves if you must go outside.
- To prevent water pipes from freezing, wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
- Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food and unfrozen water.
- Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors.
- Ensure portable heaters are used correctly.
- Do not use generators or grills inside.
RELATED: Preventing falls and staying connected: Winter tips to help seniors in Northeast Ohio during the winter months
