Tri-State Area Under Big Chill As Temperatures Drop
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Arctic air and wicked wind chills have followed the snow that fell across the Tri-State area, bringing bitter cold temperatures to much of the region.
Overnight Wednesday into Thursday marked the coldest temperature seen in the area since last year.
A wind chill advisory was in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 8 a.m. Thursday for New York City, Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley and for parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.
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Wednesday night into Thursday, the temperatures in the northern suburbs could drop to -1 with wind chills making it feel as dangerously cold as 25 below. In the city, temperatures were expected to drop to the single digits and feel like zero.
CBS2's Lonnie Quinn said the most severe cold will be the most severe from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. Overnight lows were expected to drop to 7 in the city, 5 in Merrick and Tenafly, 3 in Scarsdale and Wayne, minus 4 in Purdys, and minus 8 in New Paltz.
Around the area, forecasters say temperatures will combine with the wind to make it feel like it is 15 degrees below zero in some parts of the state.
At 11 p.m., winds were already gusting to 36 mph in the city with temperatures at a mere 10 degrees – making for a wind chill making it feel like minus 5.
As CBS2's Tracee Carrasco reported, not everyone was staying inside and bundling up on Wednesday night.
"I didn't think it would be this cold out. this is definitely a surprise," Zane Kleinburg said.
"Walking down the street with all that wind I get condensation on my mustached and it freezes," Jeremy Maneja said, "I can feel it freezing on my lip."
The wicked winter weather is keeping people in Hoboken bundled up, 1010 WINS' Rebecca Granet reported.
"I have the scarf, the jacket, the boots, the gloves; sunglasses seem to help my eyes," Maria said. "We're good."
"It is super cold! (How cold?) Cold enough that my hands are numb and I have gloves on," said Alejandra.
Tri-State Area Under Big Chill As Temperatures Drop
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio is urging residents to prepare for the bitterly cold weather.
"If you can avoid traveling on our roads and stay indoors, do so. If you must go outside, dress warmly and take extreme precaution," de Blasio said.
The mayor reminded residents on Tuesday to watch over neighbors and relatives who may be at risk. He also asked that service providers check on their clients.
The city's emergency weather procedures include increased homeless outreach.
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If you know someone who's vulnerable and lacking heat, help them get to a warm place. Notify the building manager and/or call 311 to get heat restored.
Tri-State Area Under Big Chill As Temperatures Drop
"What we are telling people is limit your time outside," Joe Esposito, commissioner of emergency management, told CBS2's Emily Smith.
You are also urged to call 911 if you see someone with signs of hypothermia. The symptoms include confusion, shivering, slurred speech and drowsiness.
If you don't have a warm place to stay, check your area for drop-in centers and shelters, many of which will be open 24-hours, CBS2's Diane Macedo reported.
Smith was in Greenwich Village Wednesday where those who make their living outside were bundled up, including mail workers, construction workers, dog walkers and NYPD traffic officers.
New York officials urged residents across the state to take precautions against the freezing temperatures on Wednesday.
"Winter months in New York State usually bring dangerously low temperatures and we must be aware of these conditions and take precautions," said Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Executive Deputy Commissioner John P. Melville. "New Yorkers, especially those in the watch areas, need to take steps to minimize the dangers that arise when severe cold weather hits including checking on neighbors and friends who might need special assistance."
DHSES warned of the potential for burst pipes and said residents can prevent pipes from freezing by turning on both hot and cold water faucets slightly, preferably in a basement sink, because running water will not freeze as quickly. Residents can also open cabinet doors to allow more heat to reach non-insulated pipes.
Residents should also remain aware of the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning from automotive exhaust, home heating systems and obstructed chimneys as well as poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and other items used for cooking and heating when used improperly during the winter months.
Additionally, DHSES said residents should never run a generator indoors and every home should have a carbon monoxide detector installed.
Tri-State Area Residents Bundle Up To Face Extreme Cold
The Red Cross warns that cold temperatures also increase the risk of house fires.
For those cranking up the heat, be sure to keep areas around heaters clear of any clutter, turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house and never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
"Take care, especially when using alternative heating equipment such as woodstoves, fireplaces and kerosene heaters," Director of the New York State Office of Emergency Management William R. Davis, Jr. said. "The danger of house fires is heightened in winter during the freezing cold conditions because alternate heating sources often are used without following proper safety precautions."
New York Officials urged residents to stock up on emergency supplies including flashlights, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, extra blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit.
In Connecticut, a cold-weather protocol activated Tuesday by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy directed state agencies to coordinate with the 211 hotline and the network of shelters to make sure the state's most vulnerable citizens are protected from the cold weather.
Under the severe cold-weather protocol the state monitors capacity at shelters across Connecticut and works with community-based providers to help find shelter space for those who need it.
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