Storms bring cold, high winds and dangerous travel conditions

A winter storm warning is in effect for the Dayton area through 5pm today and a storm warning is in effect until 4am Saturday, according to the National Weather Service for Wilmington. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply overnight, quickly dropping to below freezing, leading to the possibility of flash freezing.

Health risks from cold weather

Coniglio said the drop will come as a shock to individuals, as temperatures drop quickly into single digits from 40 degrees earlier in the week, with negative winds coming into the weekend.

Jennifer Wenzel, Montgomery County Health Commissioner, said: “For this reason, it’s important to be prepared and regularly check on neighbors and family members who may be living alone.”

Dr. Elizabeth Barrett, a family medicine practitioner at Premier Health Primary Care – Beavercreek, said young children and the elderly are vulnerable to cold-related health risks, including hypothermia, an abnormally low body temperature. I’m here.

“Infants can’t really regulate their body temperature,” says Barrett. Barrett recommends setting the room temperature to at least 68 degrees and wearing warm layers.

Symptoms of hypothermia in adults include shivering, feeling very tired, confused, fumbling, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. In babies, signs include bright red or cold skin and very low energy. Barrett recommended seeing a doctor or calling a doctor when you start showing signs of hypothermia.

dangerous travel conditions

Strong winds and snow also reduce visibility in one of the biggest travel seasons of the year. The Dayton Daily News reported earlier this week that AAA estimated that his 112.7 million people would move more than 50 miles from home over the holiday season from December 23rd to January 2nd. I was told there was We are approaching pre-pandemic levels of travel.

Coniglio said the snow that fell early today could freeze into a layer of ice on the roads. Drivers should plan for slippery road conditions, and patchy snowstorms can significantly reduce visibility. A gust of wind can knock over tree branches.

“It’s actually the coldest air mass in the region all year round since 2019,” says Coniglio. With daily temperatures below 10 degrees he could be the coldest on record for the Christmas season in the region.

“We’re going to be close to record cold temperatures during the day on Friday,” Coniglio said. “It will be very cold and very windy.”

Today’s travel conditions are very dangerous, Coniglio said. For those who had to go out, it was recommended to bring a winter kit in case you got stuck. The kit includes jumper cables, flashlights, snow scrapers, winter clothing, blankets, and possibly bags of sand, salt, or trash to help create traction on the road if the vehicle gets stuck. will be

The Ohio Department of Transportation is also asking the public to manage their expectations today and this weekend when it comes to travel.

“Stay home if you can, but we know it’s a busy holiday season,” said ODOT spokesperson Tiffany Oliphant. “Even with the best of our crew, the roads can be snowy and dangerous, so please plan ahead to allow more time for your trip. You can’t drive, you have to slow down, be patient with the crew and give them some room to work.”

For those who have to go outside, ODOT recommended checking OHGO.com for weather forecasts and current road conditions.

spend a short time outside

For those who spend time outdoors, Barrett recommends gradual increases in the cold rather than spending long hours outside. According to the CDC, when exposed to cold temperatures, your body starts losing heat faster than it can generate it. Prolonged exposure eventually depletes the body’s stored energy, leading to a drop in body temperature.

With the strong wind chill, Barrett said body heat was blown away. Dangerously cold wind chill can cause frostbite on exposed skin in just 10 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.

For people with other health conditions, such as heart disease, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the body is working twice as long.

“Take it on your shift,” Barrett said of being out in the cold. “Give your body some more time.”

In the City of Dayton, the St. Vincent de Paul Shelter at 120 W. Apple St. for women and families and 1921 S. Gettysburg Ave. for men will be open 24 hours a day throughout the weekend as warming centers.

Check your neighbors

Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery Counties need to check their health before, during, and after the harsh winter conditions and ensure they have the resources they need to stay safe and healthy. We recommend that you check.

Note that confusion, disorientation, and irritability can be symptoms of dehydration, stress, and fatigue. If someone appears to be sick or injured, he should call 9-1-1 immediately.

Older adults may have some additional considerations.

Your preparation should also include a plan to keep the temperature in your home safe and comfortable. Only use space heaters that have been tested and certified to the latest safety standards and never leave space heaters unattended. Never use a kitchen stove or other appliance that is not designed to heat your home for that purpose.

Create an emergency vehicle kit

When preparing for winter storms, the Centers for Disease Control says it’s best to avoid travel.