The relentless cold continues to bear down, with another wind chill advisory issued from now until 9 a.m. Thursday. The Maine Emergency Management Agency issued its advisory this afternoon, with winds out of the northwest expected tonight. Meanwhile, a heavy breeze at 25 knots or so continues to blow offshore, and a freezing spray advisory remains in effect until tomorrow morning.

Temperatures are expected to drop along the Midcoast from Belfast to Boothbay Harbor this evening, ranging from 10 above zero to 15 below. With northwest winds anticipated at 5 to 15 miles per hour, and gusts up to 20 mph, the predicted wind chill factor are estimated to fall to as much as 29 degrees below zero.

In those conditions, frostbite can occur quickly on exposed skin, and hypothermia for humans and animals is a hazard.

It appears we will not climb out of the cold until Saturday, so wear mittens, hats and scarves. Don’t leave dogs and cats outside for long. Put the horses and cattle in the barn, with an ample supply of hay.

The bigger weather picture from the National Weather Service: “A large upper-level trough will remain in place across the eastern half of the U.S. through the short range forecast period as Arctic air remains firmly entrenched across these regions with temperatures well below average. A fast-moving clipper-type system will bring snow to the Midwest and Great Lakes tonight and into portions of the Appalachians and Northeast on Thursday. An area of heavier/more widespread snow is possible tonight over the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as upward atmospheric motion is enhanced by an east-west oriented frontal zone over the Great Lakes.”

The NWS forecast for coastal Midcoast Maine:

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around -5. Wind chill values as low as -23. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 13. Wind chill values as low as -22. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Thursday: Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around -5. Wind chill values as low as -21. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 12. Wind chill values as low as -21. Northwest wind around 10 mph.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow showers after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday: Snow showers likely, mainly after 7 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 34. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent .

Cold weather tips

EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT:  Make sure you have a well-stocked Winter Home Emergency Supply Kit that includes flashlights, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food and manual can opener. 

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:  Minimize outside activities, particularly the elderly and very young and remember to consider your pets. 

PETS:  Ensure your pet(s) are closely monitored when outside and are returned to a warm environment ASAP.  DO NOT leave them outside for extended periods of time.

CLOTHING:  Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, rather than a single layer of heavy clothing.  Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.  Wear a hat, mittens and sturdy waterproof boots, protecting your extremities.  Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

FROSTBITE:  Excessive exposure can lead to frostbite, which is damaging to body tissue that is frozen.  Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose.  If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately.

HYPOTHERMIA:  Hypothermia can occur in extreme cases.  The warning signs are uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.  If the person’s temperature drops below 95 degrees, seek immediate medical care.

HEATING FUEL:  Ensure you have sufficient  heating fuel, as well as emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity.

ALTERNATE HEATING SOURCES:  When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as your fireplace, wood stove or space heater, take the necessary safety precautions.  Keep a fire extinguisher handy; ensuring everyone knows how to use it properly.  Test smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors.

GENERATORS:  If using an emergency generator, read, understand and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  Always operate emergency generators outdoors and away from any open window.  Make sure your generator is properly installed and grounded as you may be liable for  damage or injury to other people and property that may result from improperly installed or operated equipment.

COOKING:  Never use propane or charcoal grills indoors as they pose carbon monoxide (CO) and fire risks.

EXHAUST VENTS:  Clear exhaust vents from Direct Vent Gas Furnace Systems to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Also, never run an automobile until the exhaust pipe has been cleared of snow.  If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with extra blankets or sheets

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR:  Check with elderly or relatives and friends who may need additional assistance to ensure their safety.

TO KEEP PIPES FROM FREEZING:  Wrap pipes them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. Allow a trickle of warm water to run from a faucet that is farthest from your water meter or one that has frozen in the past.  This will keep the water moving so that it cannot freeze.  Learn how to shut off your water if a pipe bursts.

 IF PIPES FREEZE:  Remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes or wrap them with towels soaked in hot water, starting where they are most exposed to the cold.  A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT: If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your health care provider about how you can prepare for its use during a power outage. Ensure you have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices.

LIFE-SUPPORT: If you have life-support devices that depend on electricity, contact your local electric company about your power needs for life-support devices (home dialysis, suction, breathing machines, etc.) in advance of an emergency. Some utility companies will put you on a "priority reconnection service" list. Talk to your equipment suppliers about your power options and let your local fire department know that you are dependent on life-support devices.

18.   CAR WINTERIZATION:  Make sure your car is properly winterized.  Keep the gas tank at least half-full.  Carry a Winter Emergency Car Kit in the trunk including blankets, extra clothing, flashlight with spare batteries, a can and waterproof matches (to melt snow for drinking water), non-perishable foods, windshields scraper, shovel, sand, towrope and jumper cables.

Links:

·         CDC Extreme Cold:  A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety.   

·         CDC Winter Weather Health and Safety Tips

·         FEMA Winter Storms and Extreme Cold