Wind Chill Will Be “Dangerous to People and Pets” This Weekend

Philly and surrounding counties are issuing Code Blues to keep residents safe as temperatures plunge. Here's what you need to know. Plus, snow could come early next week.
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From left: The wind chill forecast for Sunday morning, the low temperature forecast for Sunday morning, and storm potential for Monday afternoon (NWS Philadelphia/Mt. Holly)

The National Weather Service is projecting temperatures in the single digits at sunrise on Sunday.

Philadelphia, Burlington and Camden Counties are operating under a Code Blue as of Thursday to keep residents out of the painfully cold temperatures that have already invaded the region and look likely to stay throughout the weekend.

Issuance of a Code Blue aims to protect those at risk, like the homeless, by getting them inside when temperatures drop to unbearable lows. In Philadelphia, a Code Blue takes effect “when the temperature, wind chill and precipitation combined together result in ‘real feel’ temperatures near or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit,” according to Phila.gov. Predictions have this weekend’s temperatures falling far below 20 degrees.

“The first priority will continue to be the use of outreach-designated resources for the homeless, including Somerset and Our Brother’s Place,” according to Philadelphia Code Blue protocol. “If necessary, police stations and/or other public buildings may also be made available for homeless persons during Code Blue conditions.”

To report an instance of a homeless person in need of assistance, you can call Project HOME at 215-232-1984.

The National Weather Service for Philadelphia and Mt. Holly New Jersey released a warning that includes wind chill temperatures well below zero for this weekend. At sunrise on Sunday, the National Weather Service predicts a low of -15 degrees with wind chill for Philadelphia.

“Wind chill temperatures this cold will be dangerous to people and pets,” the NOAA’s briefing said. “Property damage due to frozen water pipes is also likely when temperatures get this cold.”

And Philly’s Office of Emergency Management has some tips for you to prevent your pipes from freezing.

https://twitter.com/PhilaOEM/status/698193712690700291/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

In Burlington County, where a Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency has been put into effect through next Tuesday at 8 a.m., the order provides short-term emergency sheltering.

As for Camden County, Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, said the Code Blue will be in effect from February 11-14 between the hours of 6 p.m. and 7 a.m.

“This weekend will be brutally cold with the possibility of more snow and windy conditions, so everyone should be sheltered and out of the elements during this severe weather,” Rodriguez said in a news release.

https://twitter.com/PhilaOEM/status/698141851421970432/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Rodriguez urged residents to check on the elderly, as well as relatives and neighbors that live alone. “It is important that the most vulnerable among us are not left without heat or electricity,” she said.

And while temperatures should begin to climb back up on Monday, the region is expected to get hit with more snow.

“A storm system may affect the region starting next Monday night and continuing into Tuesday and Tuesday night,” the briefing said. What’s more, there is a threat of serious icing as a result of freezing rain.

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