Extreme Cold Watch (1/20/25, 1/21/25, 1/22/25, 1/23/25)

An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect from 4 am Monday, January 20 through Tuesday, January 21 & Wednesday, January 22 to 7 am Thursday, January 23, 2025 including the following Washington, DC region jurisdictions.

MARYLAND: Garrett, western Allegany.
VIRGINIA: western Highland.
WEST VIRGINIA: western Grant, western Mineral, western Pendleton.

Excerpted from the National Weather Service:

…EXTREME COLD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING…

• WHAT…An extended period of temperatures up to 30 degrees below normal. Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero possible. Wind chills as low as 30 below zero are possible for higher elevations.
• WHERE…In Maryland, Extreme Western Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Virginia, Western Highland County. In West Virginia, Western Grant, Western Mineral, and Western Pendleton Counties.
• WHEN…From late Sunday night through Thursday morning.

• IMPACTS…Periods of dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of well below freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.

To prevent water pipes from freezing, wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible.

Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water.

Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates.