NY weather: Cold weather advisory for New York until Wednesday midday

At 3:50 a.m. on Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory for the counties of Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Oswego, Lewis, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Ontario, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany. The advisory was in force until 11 a.m.

In terms of the weather service, “Bitterly cold wind chills 15 below to 20 below zero.”

In as little as half an hour, exposed skin can get frostbite from very cold winds with temperatures as low as 20 degrees below zero. According to the weather service, prolonged exposure to such wind chill rates might result in hypothermia. “Being outside in this condition could be dangerous. Make cautious to protect all exposed skin if you must be outside. At apparent temperatures of 15 degrees below zero or lower, frostbite can develop in as little as 30 minutes. Be careful when you’re outside. Put on gloves, a hat, and suitable attire.

Understanding cold weather alerts

Warning of cold weather: Exercise caution. When seasonably cold air temperatures or wind chill values—but not exceptionally severe ones—are anticipated or happening, a cold weather advisory is issued. When you and your loved ones go outside, make sure you cover any exposed skin and wear suitable clothing.

Warning: Extreme cold: Act now! When dangerously low air temperatures or wind chill values are predicted or already occurring, an extreme cold warning is issued. Avoid venturing outside if there is an extreme cold warning in effect. Make sure at least one other person is aware of your whereabouts, wear layers if you must go outside, and cover any exposed skin. When you reach your destination safely, update them.

Be ready for extreme cold watch. When extremely low air temperatures or wind chill values are possible, an extreme cold watch is issued. As with a warning, change your plans so that you don’t spend the coldest hours of the day outside. Update your winter survival gear and make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas left.

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