SCRANTON, PA — The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for a large portion of Northeast Pennsylvania, effective from 7:00 p.m. this evening until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday. The advisory covers Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Susquehanna, Pike, and Wayne counties, including the cities of Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, and Honesdale.
Forecasters warn that a combination of freezing temperatures and steady winds will produce dangerously low wind chills. Values are expected to drop as low as 10 to 15 degrees below zero, particularly in higher elevation areas like the Poconos and the Endless Mountains. At these levels, the risk of hypothermia increases significantly for anyone spending prolonged periods outdoors without adequate protection.
Safety Precautions for Residents
To stay safe during this period of extreme cold, health officials and the National Weather Service recommend the following "layering" approach to clothing:
Inner Layer: Wear moisture-wicking fabrics (like wool or synthetics) next to the skin to keep dry.
Insulating Layer: Use fleece or down to trap body heat.
Outer Layer: Wear a windproof and waterproof shell to protect against the biting wind.
Extremities: Always wear a hat, as a significant amount of body heat is lost through the head. Use mittens instead of gloves when possible, as they are more effective at retaining heat.
Protecting Pets and Livestock
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is also reminding residents that "if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them." Pets should be kept indoors as much as possible during the advisory. For outdoor pets or livestock that cannot be moved inside:
Ensure they have a dry, draft-free shelter that is small enough to hold in their body heat but large enough to move around in.
Provide extra bedding, such as straw or cedar shavings, to insulate them from the frozen ground.
Check water sources frequently to ensure they have not frozen over; animals need more hydration in the winter to help regulate their body temperature.
If you or someone you know begins to experience uncontrollable shivering, confusion, or slurred speech, seek medical attention immediately, as these are primary signs of hypothermia. Move the individual to a warm area and begin warming the center of the body first using dry blankets.