Extreme cold temperatures on tap this weekend in Mohawk Valley: What to know

Extremely low temperatures, aided by wind chill, are expected to hit the region by Friday according to the National Weather Service and Oneida County officials are urging residents to adequately prepare.

The NWS has issued a wind chill warning for the region, starting Friday morning through midday Saturday.

Depending on where you are in the Mohawk Valley, wind chills could bring temperatures as low as 35-50 degrees below zero, the NWS said.

Dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. The coldest conditions are expected Friday evening into Saturday morning, the NWS said.

“Being prepared is your best defense against extremely cold weather,” said Oneida County Director of Health Daniel W. Gilmore, in a statement. “Prepare yourselves, your vehicles, and your homes. If you have outdoor pets, prepare now to provide them warm shelter and check in with elderly neighbors and relatives.”

What is wind chill?

The wind-chill factor is the combination of air temperature and wind speed, measuring how cold the air feels to exposed skin.

So how does the NWS calculate the wind chill? The formula is based on advanced computer modeling analysis of winter winds and temperatures, and is so accurate, according to the weather service, that it predicts the "feels-like" temperature based on the calculated wind speed at five feet off the ground — the average height of an adult face.

Even skin tissue resistance, affecting how cold air feels on our hands, is taken into account, the weather service says. The index also is based on heat transfer theory, or heat loss from the body to its surroundings.

How to prepare for extreme cold weather

Hypothermia and frost bite are concerns when weather temperatures dip this low, and it does not take long for someone who is exposed to the temperatures to be affected, the Oneida County Health Department said.

Here are some ways to prepare:

• If you must be outside, bundle up. Try to leave as little skin as possible exposed.

• Dress in warm, dry clothing and don't forget hats, scarves, mittens/gloves, water resistant jackets and boots.

• Wear multiple layers to absorb moisture, insulate and protect from the cold

• If traveling, check tire pressure, antifreeze levels and make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.

• Keep a winter survival kit in your car, including jumper cables, ice scraper, car cellphone charger, blankets, and water.

• Make sure wood stoves or fireplaces are vented to the outside. If you use a generator, operate outdoors away from windows, doors and vents.

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Cold-related conditions including hypothermia and frost bite are extremely dangerous and require medical attention. Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Exhaustion

• Shivering

• Confusion

• Slurred speech

• Numbness

• Red skin that turns white or grayish-yellow

• In children, look for signs of low energy or bright red, cold skin

A body temperature below 95 degrees indicates hypothermia and requires immediate medical attention.

For more information on how to stay safe during extreme cold temperatures, visit cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.html.

Where to get warm in Utica this weekend

The Oneida County Office Building in Utica will serve as a warming center through Monday, Feb. 6, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. announced in a statement.

“With cold temperatures and extreme wind chill forecasted through this weekend, many Oneida County residents will be at risk,” Picente said.

“We are working diligently with our partners at the Rescue Mission to make sure those who do not have shelter are cared for. In order to accommodate as many people as possible, and complement other such services provided by places like the Cornerstone Community Church, we have taken the unprecedented action of opening our County Office Building to offer respite to those in need.”

The Oneida County Office of Family and Community Services has set the warming center up as a seating area on the first floor of the County Office Building, which is located at 800 Park Ave. in Utica. It will operate from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. through Monday, Feb. 6.

Those using the warming center will have access to restrooms, but no beds or bedding will be provided. DFCS is coordinating this effort with the Rescue Mission of Utica, which operates its own 24/7 warming center on behalf of the county located at 205 Rutger St. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office will be providing security for the warming center at the County Office Building.

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reporter Victoria Freile contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Mohawk Valley weather: How to prepare for extreme cold, wind chill