From the National Weather Service in Binghamton:
Hallstead, Montrose, Damascus, Equinunk, Tunkhannock, Scranton, Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre, Milford, and Honesdale 350 AM EST Fri Dec 23 2022 ...WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO NOON EST SATURDAY...
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 24 below zero. Winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected.
* WHERE...In New York, Yates, Seneca, Southern Cayuga, Onondaga, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, Madison, Southern Oneida, Cortland, Chenango, Otsego, Tioga, Broome, Delaware and Sullivan counties. In Pennsylvania, Susquehanna, Northern Wayne, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike and Southern Wayne counties.
* WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to noon EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Tree limbs could be blown down and scattered power outages may result.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...In addition to cold wind chills, temperatures will quickly drop below freezing late this morning and through the afternoon. This will likely result in a flash freeze and icy road conditions.
* PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
If you’re planning to travel, don’t forget to check 511PA.com or the 511PA smartphone app for the latest weather and travel information. Because temperatures will be very low, the potential for icy roads is high, and PennDOT urges motorists to avoid travel if possible. But if travel is necessary, use caution, reduce speeds and be aware of changing weather conditions. PennDOT has been pre-treating roadways to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement during the early stages of a storm. However, salt is not a silver bullet, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway. Roads that look wet may actually be icy. Headlights must be turned on any time the windshield wipers are being used continuously or intermittently for precipitation such as rain, snow or sleet.
Travelers should be sure to pack an emergency travel kit. The kit should include a flashlight with fresh batteries, jumper cables, first aid supplies, blankets, cell phone charger, bottled water, and non-perishable foods. Families who must travel with infants or pets should consider extra formula or pet food.
Because of colder temperatures and wind, consider bringing your animals inside or providing them a proper shelter that will offer protection and include clean, dry bedding. Change water often to keep it from freezing.
Pennsylvania American Water reminds customers to take steps now to prevent frozen and damaged pipes, which can lead to costly repairs. Locate your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately. Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or use electrical heat tracing wire; newspaper or fabric might also work. If you have pipes vulnerable to freezing, allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures. Do not use kerosene heaters or open flames to thaw pipes inside your home
Homeowners are also asked to help keep fire hydrants clear from snow. By doing so, the public can help firefighters easily locate them and access water quickly, preserving valuable time to save lives and structures potentially.
