URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE - EXTREME COLD WATCH

National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA

Marion-Monongalia-Ridges of Eastern Monongalia and Northwestern Preston-Preston-Eastern Preston-Western Tucker-Eastern Tucker-

Including the cities of, Morgantown, Davis, Fairmont, Kingwood, Parsons, Thomas,Hendricks, Terra Alta, Rowlesburg, Coopers Rock, Bruceton Mills, and Hazelton,

906 PM EST Fri Jan 17 2025

...EXTREME COLD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...An extended period of temperatures up to 30 degrees below normal. Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero possible. Wind chills as low as 30 below zero are possible for higher elevations.

* WHERE...Portions of east central Ohio, northwest, southwest, and western Pennsylvania, and northern and the northern panhandle of West Virginia.

* WHEN...From late Sunday night through Thursday morning. The coldest period is most likely from Monday to early Wednesday, with the coldest wind chills during the morning hours Tuesday and Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Periods of dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates.