A cold arctic front will cause temperatures to drop on record for the Christmas weekend.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a wind chill warning due to the breezes for DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
According to Telemundo 44 meteorologist Joseph Martínez, the cold will begin to take its toll on Friday afternoon after the departure of a thunderstorm that will bring rain to the region on Thursday and Friday. You might experience gusts up to 50mph.
“It will feel like it’s in the 40s by noon on Friday but in the afternoon it’s starting to get cold air. By 7pm there could be counties experiencing sub-zero temperatures,” he pointed out.
On Saturday, Christmas Eve, the thermometer will remain between 16 and 26 degrees, while on Christmas day temperatures will fluctuate between 19 and 29 degrees.
However, the wind chill at the DMV will be below freezing Saturday morning, so authorities are urging citizens to prepare well and be aware of warnings.
“This could be the coldest Christmas since 1989,” Martínez teased.
THE PREPARATIONS BEGIN
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced it will monitor wind speeds at major river crossings in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula through the morning of Dec. 24.
In a press release, the agency added it would close some bridges “if sustained winds reach 45 mph over a 15-minute period.”
See the list of bridges here.
In addition, VDOT said emergency operations crews will be mobilized as early as midnight Friday along Interstate 95 and throughout the Fredericksburg area to monitor road conditions.
Authorities are urging drivers to call 1-800-367-7623 if they encounter any hazards on Virginia roads. The line is available 24/7. You can also access this link for more information.
On the other hand, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan remains vigilant in the state’s west. In written statements, he urged motorists to remain vigilant, leave room for crews and keep a safe distance from snow plow trucks.
For its part, the DC government has also started its preparations. Mayor Muriel Bowser has activated a hypothermia warning while announcing the opening of several shelters around the capital that can reach residents and the homeless.
Shelters for women:
- Adams Place Day Center at 2210 Adams Place NE
- Community for Creative Nonviolence (CCNV) at 425 2nd Street NW
- Sherwood Recreation Center at 640 10th Street NE
- Harriet Tubman Shelter at 1900 Massachusetts Avenue SE #27
- St. Josephine Bahkita at 6010 Georgia Avenue NW
- Patricia Handy Place for Women at 1009 11th Street NW
Refuge for men:
- Community for Creative Nonviolence (CCNV) at 425 2nd Street NW
- Epiphany Church at 1317 G Street NW
- Salvation Army at 3335 Sherman Avenue NW
- 801 East Shelter and 2722 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE
- Adams Place Shelter at 2210 Adams Place NE
- New York Avenue Shelter at 1355-57 New York Avenue NE
- Patricia Handy Legacy at 810 5th Street NW
- Trinidad Recreation Center at 1310 Childress Street SE
Refuge for members of the LGBTQ+ community
- Living the alternative life at 400 50th Street SE
If you or a neighbor needs transportation, you can call 202-399-7093.
RISK OF HYPOTHERMIA
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures” that affects the brain and causes lack of mobility.
Symptoms are:
- Tiritar
- Feeling exhausted or very tired
- Confusion
- clumsiness with hands
- Memory loss
- Slurred or slurred speech
- Drowsiness
For this reason, the authorities recommend wearing hats, scarves, covering your face and mouth, wearing multiple layers of clothing, using waterproof gloves, coats and boots.
You are also encouraged to cover your nose, ears, feet, cheeks, chin and fingers when you go out.
On the other hand, it is recommended to take the following measures inside the house:
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms,
- Move heaters away from flammable elements,
- Avoid using extensions to connect them,
- Turn off the heating if you plan to leave the house.
Stay tuned to The Weather Authority for up to date forecasts.
