COLUMBUS – Forecasters are warning of dangerously cold wind chills in central Ohio as Arctic air will plunge into the eastern two-thirds of the U.S.
Wind chill values may range between 5 below zero and 10 below zero in parts of central and west central Ohio Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
An Arctic airmass moving into the region will cause temperatures to fall to between -1 and +12 tonight across the region. This combined with northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph will result in bitter wind chill late tonight into Wednesday morning. pic.twitter.com/OCtku2eoXA
— NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) January 25, 2022
A wind chill advisory is in effect from 1:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday for Union County, where wind chills could dip to minus-12.
Franklin County could experience feels-like temperatures of around 6 below zero.
Other parts of west central Ohio could see wind chills as low as 15 below zero.
Residents are urged to use caution while traveling outside and wear appropriate clothing, such as a hat, and gloves.
Cold Weather Safety Tips
Try to Stay Indoors.
- If you must go outdoors make trips brief, dress in several layers of loose clothing and stay dry.
- Make sure to wear a warm hat and gloves or mittens.
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia: Slurred speech, confusion, uncontrollable shivering, stumbling, drowsiness and body temperature of less than 95° F.
- Get immediate medical attention if you think someone has frostbite or hypothermia.
- Warm the core body temperature with a blanket and warm fluids.
- Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
Bring your pets inside
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
- Use a fireplace, wood stove or other combustion heater only if they are properly vented to the outside. Ensure adequate ventilation if you must use a space heater.
- Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air-intake of your house because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use a charcoal or gas grill inside – the fumes are deadly.
The Licking County Emergency Warming Center Task Force is opening two warming centers Tuesday night in Newark, where the wind chills could drop to 5 below.
The centers located at The Disciple Factory, 50 S 30th Street, and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 592 W. Main Street, will open at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday.