Chattanooga Braces for Dangerously Cold Weather This Week

News Summary

Chattanooga is set to experience a significant drop in temperatures as an Arctic air mass moves in, bringing nighttime lows around 13 degrees. Residents are advised to prepare for extreme cold, including a wind chill that could make it feel like just three degrees. Snow showers are expected, but little accumulation is predicted. Safety precautions are necessary to avoid frostbite and hypothermia, especially for vulnerable populations.

Chattanooga Braces for Dangerously Cold Weather This Week

In case you haven’t looked outside or realized it yet, Chattanooga is preparing to face some seriously chilly temperatures in the coming days. An Arctic air mass is swooping in, promising to send those mercury levels plummeting down to around 13 degrees at night! And let’s not forget the wind chill factor; it could feel as cold as a brisk three degrees at times. Yikes!

What’s Coming Up?

Cold temperatures are set to bombard the city starting Sunday night, lingering around those freezing levels throughout the week. If you were dreaming of a winter wonderland, you might be disappointed. While residents might see some snow showers during the week, experts are predicting little accumulation. However, if you’re planning a trip to the mountains of East Tennessee or Southwest Virginia, brace yourself for the possibility of significant snowfall!

Stay Safe!

With the drop in temperatures, it’s vital to stay informed and prepared. The Hamilton County Emergency Preparedness has issued a stern warning about the hazardous conditions. Hypothermia and frostbite aren’t just buzzwords; they are genuine threats for anyone who remains exposed to extreme cold.

So, what are the signs to watch out for? Look for symptoms of hypothermia like shivering, shallow breathing, confusion, drowsiness, and even slurred speech. Frostbite is another concern, particularly for sensitive areas such as fingers, toes, noses, and earlobes. If exposed for too long, these areas could sustain permanent damage.

Be Cautious

Who is at risk? Infants, children, elderly individuals, and anyone who plans on spending extended time outdoors need to be especially vigilant right now. So how can you keep safe in these conditions? Here are some friendly tips:

• Dress in layers to trap heat.
• Wear warm hats and gloves to protect extremities.
• Stay active to help maintain body heat.

Heating Safety

Heating safety is pivotal during this cold snap. Remember, do not use stoves or ovens to heat your home – it’s a serious fire hazard! Ensure your fireplaces are clean and clear before using them, and use space heaters safely.

Pipe Precautions

Frozen pipes are a common nuisance when the weather turns bitterly cold. To avoid this, it’s best to insulate your pipes, let your faucets trickle, and keep your cabinets open to allow heat to reach those pipes.

Vehicle Preparedness

And don’t forget your vehicle! Now is the time to winterize your car. Make sure you keep at least a half tank of gas and pack a winter weather kit just in case you find yourself stranded.

What to Expect

As we head into Sunday night, wind chills might even dip to around zero. The forecast for Monday and Tuesday predicts daytime highs stuck in the chilly 20s. However, hang on tight! Weather experts are keeping an eye on a potential winter storm that could track south along the Gulf Coast, possibly bringing some flurries or light snow to parts of the area.

By Wednesday, things are looking up with highs around 32 degrees and maybe even temperatures creeping above 40 degrees later in the week. Just remember to stay warm and keep safe out there!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc Across the Intermountain West
A Polar Vortex is Set to Affect Much of the U.S.
Winter Weather Creates Pothole Surge in Chattanooga & Dalton
Chattanooga Hosts Inaugural ‘Miracle on 11th Street’
Winter Storm Hits Chattanooga: Prepare for Snow and Icy Conditions
Chattanooga Fire Department Rises to Winter Challenges
Chattanooga Battles Winter House Fires in Frigid Temperatures
Chattanooga Braces for Snowy Weekend Ahead
Chattanooga Prepares for Severe Winter Weather Next Week
Polar Vortex to Bring Freezing Temperatures to Texas Next Week

Additional Resources

• News Channel 9 Weather
• News Break: Hamilton County Emergency Management
• Chattanooga Pulse: Winter Storm Hazardous Roads
• Nooga Today: Winter Weather Forecast
• Times Free Press: Snow Forecast for the Region