Snow Showers, Very Cold In Chattanooga Forecast; Some Schools Delay Openings

Monday, November 11, 2019

Chattanoogans may see some snow flakes early Tuesday morning.

Polk and Meigs county schools will delay two hours.

However, snow lovers should not get too excited since little to no accumulation is expected.

Temperatures will drop well below freezing on Tuesday night - going as low as 21.

Amy Maxwell, of Hamilton County Emergency Services, said, "The 'teeth-chattering' cold temperatures expected to arrive late tonight in the Hamilton County area and remain at freezing temperatures throughout the day on Tuesday.

These conditions are not just problematic but truly dangerous, so don’t be left unprepared for how the frigid temperatures may impact you, your house, pets, car and much more."

She gave these safety tips:

Hypothermia and frostbite are very real risks of being exposed to cold weather.

Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature that can happen when you're exposed to the cold. Frostbite is the freezing of a body part, such as the fingers, toes, nose or earlobes. Both are conditions that may become life- or limb-threatening. Those with heart conditions should be extra cautious when the thermometer dips. To prevent other cold-related emergencies, dress in layers, wear a hat and gloves, be aware of the wind chill, and stay active to maintain body heat. Infants, children, the elderly (especially those not wearing adequate clothing or living without heat), and people outdoors for extended periods are most at risk for hypothermia. When it comes to warning signs of hypothermia for infants, look for bright-red skin that is cold to the touch and a lower energy level. Adults can have shivering, shallow breathing, confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech, loss of coordination and a slower and weaker pulse. Severe cases can lead to loss of consciousness.

Keeping Your Home Warm:

When temperatures plunge, people turn up the heat. But keep these tips in mind:

· Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.

· Make sure your fireplace your fireplace is cleaned and checked for summer critters before starting a fire.

· Make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed. If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

· If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away — things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs.

· Turn off space heaters before leaving the room or going to bed.

· Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.

· Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.

Emergency Plans, Kits

Creating a family emergency plan and an emergency kit with bottled water and food that can be prepared without cooking in case of a power outage. Kits should include bottled water, canned or dry foods, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, manual can opener and a first aid kit.

Creating a winter car kit. This includes a blanket, spare radio with batteries, snacks, jumper cables, shovel, and sand to give tires traction.

Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management wants you to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home with these cold weather safety tips.

Here is the latest forecast:

Mostly clear, with a low around 21. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday

Sunny, with a high near 45. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 27.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 51.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 32.