Updated: Feb. 6 at 8 a.m.- Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 degrees below zero are possible this weekend, according to a National Weather Service update Friday morning.
The weather service has now issued an extreme cold warning for southeast New York State and portions of northeast New Jersey, which is in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday.
A winnd advisory is also now in effect from 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday.
Temperatures will fall to around 15º by 5 p.m. Saturday with wind chill values between -5 and 5, the weather service said. It will be windy, with northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph possible. Chance of precipitation is 80% with new snow accumulation of less than an inch likelt, according to the forecast.
Temperatures will dip to about 4º Saturday night, with a northwest wind 29 to 34 mph, decreasing to 18 to 23 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 47 mph, the weather service said. Wind chill values as low as -20º are forecast.
Light snow with accumulations of 1 to 2 inches is expected early Saturday, mostly before 1 p.m.
Sunday’s high temperature will be about 18º, according to the forecast. Northwest winds of 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph possible.
The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes and result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken, according to the advisory.
If you must go outside, be sure to dress in layers, including a hat, face mask, and gloves, the weather service said.
The advisory states the following:
Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills.
To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 or call the Riverhead Police Department at 631-727-4500.
Learn more about cold weather safety.
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