Urgent Warnings Greet Early Morning Cold Snap (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Washington, D.C. area – A sharp Arctic cold front pushed through the region overnight, following light flurries on Friday and setting the stage for perilous wind chills and fierce winds on Saturday.
Urgent Warnings Greet Early Morning Cold Snap
An extreme cold warning and high wind warning took effect at 4 a.m. Saturday, as temperatures tumbled below freezing across the D.C. metro area, including parts of Maryland and Virginia.
Wind chills lingered near zero degrees all day before plunging below zero after sunset. Gusts reached up to 60 mph through evening, prompting concerns over downed trees and power lines. Meteorologist Jordan Evans highlighted the dangers: frostbite and hypothermia posed real threats under these conditions.
Road Hazards and Outage Risks Escalate
Less than an inch of snow from Friday stuck to roads untreated overnight, creating slick spots amid the freeze. Commuters faced challenges navigating lingering ice and potential new blockages.
High winds amplified the trouble, with forecasts calling for northwest gusts of 45 to 60 mph. Evans noted that damaging winds could topple trees and disrupt power supplies. Conditions remained hazardous into Saturday night, with wind chills dropping to between -15 and 0 degrees.
Frostbite Looms Large in Exposed Areas
Dr. Taryn Travis, affiliated with MedStar Health and Children’s National Hospital, warned that frostbite strikes quickly in such weather, often without initial pain.
Numbness and tingling signal immediate need for shelter, she explained. The condition typically hits hands, feet, fingers, toes, noses, and ears as blood flow shifts to protect the body’s core. Wind accelerates the process, with effects possible in as little as 30 minutes for unprotected skin. Travis stressed avoiding home remedies, which risk amputation, and urged prompt warming indoors.
Officials Push Safety Measures and Shelters
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called on residents to stay alert during travel and check on vulnerable neighbors via the city’s Shelter Hotline.
Shovelers received reminders to mix salt or sand with ice melt to curb refreezing and clear sidewalks within eight hours of daylight or risk fines up to $150. Hypothermia shelters opened for those experiencing homelessness, with locations listed online. The Department of Public Works tracked delayed trash pickups over the weekend.
| Day | Highs | Wind Chills | Winds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 15-22° | -5 to 5° | NW 20-30 mph, gusts 45-60 mph |
| Saturday Night | Lows 5-10° | -15 to 0° | NW 15-25 mph, gusts 30-35 mph |
| Sunday | 22-26° | 10° | NW 5-15 mph, gusts 25-30 mph |
| Monday | 29-33° | – | W 5 mph |
Key Takeaways
- Limit outdoor time; cover skin to fend off frostbite.
- Prepare for power outages from 60 mph gusts.
- Clear sidewalks promptly and use salt mixes on ice.
Meteorologist Steve Rudin forecasted breezy but persistent cold into Sunday, with highs of 22-26 degrees and wind chills around 10 degrees, followed by a modest warmup early next week. Residents who layer up, stay informed, and assist others can navigate this Arctic onslaught safely. What steps are you taking to stay warm? Share in the comments.[1]
