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The Mid-Hudson Valley is bracing for dangerously cold temperatures this weekend as an arctic air mass moves into the region, prompting officials to issue an Extreme Cold Watch from Friday (February 6) evening through Sunday (February 8) afternoon.
The National Weather Service warns wind chills could plummet to between 20 and 35 degrees below zero, creating conditions where frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. The extreme cold watch takes effect at 6 p.m. Friday and continues until 1 p.m. Sunday.
According to Mid-Hudson News, the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services has issued alerts ahead of the extreme weather conditions, described as the coldest of the season. Snow showers and isolated snow squalls are possible Friday night into Saturday morning, with strong winds expected to cause blowing and drifting snow, especially at higher elevations.
"The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes," the National Weather Service stated. "Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside."
Local warming centers are extending their hours in response to the forecast. The Kingston Warming Center at 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church will continue its 24/7 operations through March 31, while the Ellenville Warming Center at the Hunt Memorial Building will shift to 24-hour operations beginning Thursday morning through Monday. The Kingston center can be reached at (845) 334-0551, and the Family of Woodstock Hotline is available at (845) 338-2370.
Health experts recommend limiting time outdoors, bringing pets inside, using heating equipment safely, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. Residents should wear multiple layers of clothing and cover all exposed skin when venturing outside. Motorists should keep at least half a tank of gas in vehicles.
The bitter temperatures and gusty winds also create risks for infrastructure damage, including frozen or burst pipes. Residents are advised to wrap pipes or allow them to drip slowly to prevent freezing.
This arctic outbreak is part of a larger weather pattern affecting much of the Northeast, with similar warnings issued for neighboring counties including Dutchess, Greene, and Columbia.