Dangerous Cold with Sub-Zero Wind Chills Forecast for Friday and Saturday (February 3-4)

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Chill Watch from late Thursday night through Saturday afternoon as dangerously cold airmass will overspread the region late Friday into Saturday with the coldest air since February 2016.

Friday’s low temperature is predicted to be -4 degrees with wind chills in the range of -20 to -40 degrees late Friday night into early Saturday morning. These temperatures could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15-30 minutes.

Both Friday and Saturday will be windy, with gusts as high as 45 mph possible both days, and widespread moderate freezing spray is expected along the coast as well.

To prepare for and stay safe during the extreme cold, the National Weather Service recommends that people:

• Minimize travel.
• Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
• Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel.
• Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc.
• Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.
• Check on the elderly.
• Bring pets inside.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, and a hat.
• Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Try to stay dry and out of the wind.

With gale force winds predicted, mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.

Residents should secure their property, bring in or tie down outdoor objects like patio umbrellas, furniture, etc., and use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle.  

Property owners are encouraged to take adequate measures to prevent freezing pipes and sprinkler systems. To help prevent and deal with frozen pipes, it is recommended that residents:

• Keep heat at adequate levels or leave faucets open with a slight drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Ensure you have enough home heating oil or schedule an immediate delivery.
• Check for open windows, air vents, and wind drafts near water pipes.
• Seal leaks in the basement foundation where cold air may enter. Stuff holes with insulation. A tiny opening may cause an exposed pipe to freeze.
• Locate the main water shut off valve in your home and mark it for quick identification. Learn how to turn it off, and educate others in your household. If a water pipe bursts, shutting your home’s main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage.
• Leave kitchen/sink cabinet doors open if pipes are subject to freezing. This will allow heat to reach the pipes.
• Don’t use an open flame to thaw pipes. If your pipes do freeze, use a hair dryer or rags soaked in hot water to thaw lines.
• Insulate pipes in unheated spaces like garages, basements, and crawl spaces. This will help prevent frozen pipes, avoiding property damage and the costs of repairs. Additionally, insulating hot water pipes will decrease your wait time for warm water.

Eversource has been monitoring the forecast and believes we could experience the potential for power outages with the wind and extreme cold.  

Be prepared for a power outage by:

• Keeping your devices fully charged.  
• Storing flashlights and batteries in an easily accessible location.
• Having extra batteries, medicine, blankets, canned goods, and bottled water on hand.
• Keeping refrigerators closed as much as possible and setting the temperature at 45° or below. Food will stay fresh for between 36-48 hours in a full fridge; 24 hours in a half-filled one.

If you see downed lines/wires, please report these by calling 9-1-1. Power outages should be reported directly to Eversource at 800-592-2000.   

Should extended power outages occur, Town staff are on standby in case the Warming/Charging Shelter needs to be activated. If it is opened, information will be sent to residents via an email/text alert, posted on the Town’s website at www.provincetown-ma.gov, and shared on the Town’s Facebook page.

To stay informed about severe weather and other emergency events, sign up for emergency alerts from the Town of Provincetown by phone, email, or text message at https://alerts.provincetown-ma.gov/.   

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