Hurricane and Storm Surge Watches Issued for the Northern Gulf Coast for Strengthening Tropical Storm Isaias

Tropical Storm Isaias is forecast to track toward the central Gulf Coast while strengthening into a hurricane on Thursday. There is an increasing risk of damaging hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge impacts along portions of the northern Gulf Coast Friday into Saturday. Isaias will bring heavy rainfall to the central Gulf Coast and much of the Southeast Friday into the weekend. Read More >

Bitter Wind Chills

Biggest takeaway:
Cold isn’t a problem as long as you have a shelter with power. But what if the power goes out, or you are trapped outside. Stay proactive with your response based on your plan for cold. Arctic outbreaks of cold air are typically well communicated well ahead of the event.

Warning/Trigger for Plan:
NWS Wind Chill Warning (greater threat; alerted on NOAA Weather Radio) –and-
NWS Wind Chill Advisory (some threat; not alerted on NOAA Weather Radio)

Advance Notice/Time to Activate & Accomplish Your Planned Response:
Typically a day to as many as several days.

Frequency:
2-5 Wind Chill Advisories is average, but this can vary widely from winter to winter.
0-2 Wind Chill Warnings is average for exceptional, very dangerous cold.

How Accurate Warnings?
Arctic outbreaks of cold air are typically well forecast and warned for.

Again our region is cold in the winter, but there are days (or strings of days) that are exceptionally cold where frostbite, hypothermia, and medical issues from exposure become much more common and deadly for anyone not adequately protected.
Have a plan for what you will do to mitigate the impacts from exceptionally cold wind chills outdoors.
Also have a plan for extreme cold during a power outage without heat.
Instill concept of “neighbors checking on neighbors”.