Officials urge caution ahead of extreme cold

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Frigid winter weather is on the way and state officials are urging all Vermonters to take precautions.

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Watch for most of our region from late Thursday through Saturday, with wind chills reaching upwards of wind chills as low as 30 to 45 below zero.

“Extreme cold weather is nothing new for most Vermonters, but it’s important to know the resources available to be prepared if needed,” Governor Phil Scott said in a statement. “Several Vermont agencies and departments continue to work to ensure support is available for those in need, so please do not hesitate to reach out.”

The Vermont Agency of Human Services, community organizations, and municipalities are working to expand daytime and overnight shelter options for people experiencing homelessness during the coldest hours this weekend. Vermonters in need of heating assistance or shelter can call 211. A list of shelters will be updated at: https://vem.vermont.gov/news/shelters. The city of Burlington is also opening an extreme cold weather emergency shelter.

The Vermont State Police will be providing ‘freeze patrols’ on I-89 and I-91 during the overnight hours to assist stranded drivers.

The Labor Department says to watch out for signs of cold stress, like reddening skin, tingling, pain, swelling, leg cramps, numbness, and blisters. They also recommend wearing at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing, insulated gloves and boots, covering your head, taking breaks in warm areas, and drinking warm liquids.

In New Hampshire, Governor Chris Sununu, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Robert Buxton, and Jay Broccolo, Director of Weather Operations for the Mt. Washington Observatory, will hold a press briefing Thursday morning at 11 a.m.

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