A powerful Arctic air mass has pushed into Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina, sending temperatures plunging and creating dangerously cold wind chills that will last through Friday morning. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Cold Weather Advisory, warning that wind chills will drop as low as -5°F in some areas, posing a serious risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone outdoors without proper protection.
This level of cold is not typical for the region, and residents are urged to take extra precautions to stay warm and safe.
How Cold Will It Get?
The coldest temperatures will settle in Thursday night into early Friday morning, with actual air temperatures dropping into the single digits and teens. However, the strong, gusty winds will make it feel even colder, with wind chills as low as:
- -5°F in higher elevations, including areas like Wise, Bristol, Boone, and Asheville
- 0°F to 5°F in lower elevations, with towns like Hickory, Murphy, and Abingdon still experiencing bitterly cold conditions
For comparison, these wind chills are colder than parts of Alaska right now!
Why Is This Cold So Dangerous?
The biggest threat with these temperatures is frostbite and hypothermia, both of which can set in shockingly fast in these conditions:
- Frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes if skin is exposed. Your fingers, nose, ears, and toes are at the highest risk.
- Hypothermia can set in quickly, especially for those without proper winter clothing or heating. Shivering, confusion, and slurred speech are early signs of hypothermia.
Beyond health concerns, this extreme cold can cause serious issues for homes, cars, and infrastructure:
- Frozen & Burst Pipes: Prolonged freezing temperatures increase the risk of water pipes bursting, which can cause major damage and expensive repairs.
- Dead Car Batteries: Freezing weather weakens car batteries, meaning many people may wake up to a car that won’t start Friday morning.
- Strain on Heating Systems: Many homes in the region aren’t built for such intense cold, and older heating systems could fail under the strain.
How to Stay Safe & Protect Your Home
With wind chills well below freezing, it’s critical to prepare now to avoid health risks and damage to property.
- Dress in Layers: If you must go outside, wear multiple warm layers, gloves, a hat, and a scarf to cover all exposed skin. Frostbite is a real danger in these temperatures!
- Limit Outdoor Exposure: If you don’t have to go out, stay inside. If you work outside, take frequent breaks in a warm place.
- Prevent Frozen Pipes: Let faucets drip slightly and open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
- Check on Elderly Neighbors & Pets: The elderly, children, and outdoor animals are especially vulnerable. Bring pets inside and make sure loved ones have adequate heat.
- Be Cautious with Heating Equipment: If using a space heater, keep it away from flammable objects and never leave it unattended.
When Will It Warm Up?
The worst of the cold will last until Friday morning, but temperatures will remain below freezing through much of the day before slowly rebounding. However, another cold front is expected over the weekend, which means cold nights aren’t over yet.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring the weather patterns, and updates will follow as needed. For now, residents should take this Arctic blast seriously and prepare for a brutally cold night ahead.
