The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a warning about the possibility of frostbite in one state due to an arctic blast that is predicted to hit portions of the Northern Great Plains during the next few days.
Much of the United States saw chilly temperatures during Thanksgiving week, with regions of the South, the Midwest, and New York all experiencing snow and low temperatures. This was one of the busiest travel weeks of the year as winter draws near.
An arctic blast is expected to bring frigid weather to Minnesota and the Dakotas, according to forecasters. Friday marks the start of the alert, which is anticipated to last until next week.
According to the NWS, the blast will result in the lowest temperatures the area has experienced since February.
Forecasters cautioned folks to be ready for the possibility of frostbite as North Dakota is expected to see some of the lowest weather.
“Wind chills across much of the Dakotas and Minnesota will be below negative 15ºF with portions of North Dakota as cold as negative 30-40ºF,” according to the warning. “This poses an increased risk of hypothermia, and frostbite on exposed skin. Have a winter survival kit if you travel.”
A full tank of gas, a bag of sand or cat litter, a shovel or ice scraper, a telephone charger, a first aid kit, jumper cables, tire chains, flares, a blanket, winter clothing, a flashlight, water, and food are all items that NWS advises travelers to have in their survival kit when traveling in winter weather.
The Great Lakes region, which includes locations north of Syracuse, New York, and Cleveland, Ohio, as well as Buffalo, New York, is at danger of “extreme” storm intensity through Monday, according to other NWS warnings. The Upper Peninsula and other northern Michigan regions might possibly experience “major” winter storms.
According to NWS, travel disruptions are “likely” to occur in impacted areas.
What Is Frostbite?
As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, frostbite is a “type of injury caused by freezing,” In addition to causing irreversible physical damage, it causes affected areas to lose color and feeling. In the worst situations, amputation may even result.
Wearing a helmet, scarf, water-resistant coat and boots, gloves, and multiple layers of loose-fitting clothes are all recommended by the CDC when individuals are going outside in cold weather.
Most frequently, the nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin, and fingers are affected by frostbite. People who have frostbite are advised to get medical help right away, take off any wet clothes, stay inside, and get warm.
