With more bitter cold expected this weekend, Montgomery County is reminding residents to watch out for children, senior citizens and homeless individuals who might be particularly vulnerable.
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Watch for the entire region and much of the weekend:
…HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING…
* TIMING…NORTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE BEHIND A STRONG COLD FRONT SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING.
* WINDS…NORTHWEST 25 TO 35 MPH WITH POTENTIAL FOR WIND GUSTS UP TO 60 MPH.
* IMPACTS…DOWNED TREES AND POWERLINES MAY RESULT IN POWER OUTAGES. MINOR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE WILL BE POSSIBLE. DRIVING HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES IN THESE CONDITIONS WILL BE DANGEROUS.
As of Friday afternoon, NWS had issued a Wind Chill Advisory for northern Montgomery County, though downcounty Montgomery could certainly get its own advisory with wind chills expected to dip below zero on Saturday night.
Montgomery County is offering its facilities, such as libraries, recreation centers and senior centers, as a place to find warmth during regular operating hours. The county government also suggested public shopping centers as an option.
Homeless outreach providers are trying to encourage homeless people to seek shelter and all emergency and transitional shelters in the county will allow homeless individuals to stay inside until it gets warmer.
The county is also asking residents who notice signs of hypothermia to take that person’s temperature.
“If it is below 95 degrees, the situation is an emergency — get medical attention immediately,” according to a county press release on Friday. “If the person is unconscious and does not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing, call 9-1-1.”
