It’s going to get cold this week. Like, really cold. Like, life-threatening, near record-breaking, expletive-inducing cold. Here’s everything you need to know to be prepared.
Forecast
Temps will be holding steady in the teens all day Tuesday. Wind chills holding near 0 degrees. It will get even colder Wednesday. On Wednesday, lake effect snow is possible with near-record, dangerous cold. The HIGH Wednesday is minus 1 degree, and the low is minus 6 degrees, with wind chills expected to be minus 20 to minus 35 in some areas.
View the latest forecast here.
Watch below:
Wind Chill Warning
A Wind Chill Warning has been issued for Northeast Ohio as brutal temperatures start to move into the area.
The Wind Chill Warning is in effect from 1 a.m. on Wednesday to 4 p.m. on Thursday, meaning a combination of very cold air and wind will create dangerously low wind chill values.
Temperatures in Northern Ohio will drop a few degrees below zero Wednesday and Thursday morning with wind chills between minus 20 and about minus 38. We won't get to minus 40. Wind chills will not get as cold as minus 55, according to Power of 5 Chief Meteorologist Mark Johnson.
Read more about the Wind Chill Warning here.
City Preparations
The City of Cleveland is held a news conference on their preparations for the weather at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Read more here, and watch it below:
Warming Shelters
Warming centers and shelters are opening for those looking to escape the cold. View a list of warming shelters across our area here.
School Closings
Hundreds of schools are expected to close Wednesday as the temperatures reach brutally cold lows in the morning. See an updated list of school closings here.
Government Office and Organization Closings
Many courts, government offices and other organizations around our area have also announced they are closing. See a list here. NOTE: This list may not be comprehensive - we recommend you check the website and social media channels of an organization before you head out Wednesday and Thursday.
Mail Delivery
The United States Postal Service has announced they will not be delivering Wednesday due to frigid temperatures.
Freezing pipes
Pipes are at risk of freezing because of sudden temperature drops and poor insulation. AAA offers some advice on how to prevent your pipes from freezing and what to do if you pipes happen to freeze.
Tips for older adults
The Ohio Department of Aging has a reminder for residents to treat these extreme temperatures as you would a coming snow or ice storm: be prepared and check on older loved ones and neighbors before, during and after the temperatures drop.
Read a complete guide from the Department of Aging here.
Tip for pet owners
Don't forget about your furry friends! Here's some tips that will keep your pet happy and healthy.
Tips for home owners
You're probably wondering what to do to keep your home safe during these freezing temperatures. Here are some tips.
Tips for drivers
Whether you need a survival kit or windshield wiper fluid, we have some tips that can help you during the cold weather.
Free buses in Akron
The METRO RTA in Akron is helping those affected by the cold temperatures.
Starting on Tuesday, they will be offering free fares on all services, including line-service, Northcoast Express, SCAT, and Call-A-Bus.
Trash pickup
Rocky River has canceled garbage collection on Wednesday and Thursday, and Lakewood is asking residents to hold off on putting their garbage and recycling bins out this week, if possible.
Send us your winter storm pics and video
We want to see what you’re seeing. First and foremost – STAY SAFE. Do not go out in unsafe conditions or use your phone while driving just to snap a pic or video. If you are able to SAFELY do so, send pictures and video of conditions in your area:
Email: newsdesk@wews.com
Facebook: Message us or post on our page here: News 5 Cleveland
Twitter: Mention\tag @WEWS on Twitter.
Instagram: Mention\tag @News5Cleveland on Instagram
Make sure to include your name (if you would like to receive credit), the specific location of your image or video, the time it was taken, and any other information you want to provide.
Stay informed
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Winter Weather Guide
Read the Power of 5 Weather Team's Winter Weather Guide for more tips and advice for surviving the cold. It includes this Wind Chill Chart from the National Weather Service, which gives a good idea of how soon frostbite may set in on exposed skin.
