Værmelding for Thomas County Emergency Medical Services

Extreme Cold Watch issued January 18 at 7:18AM MST until January 21 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Goodland KS* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills ranging from 15 to 30 belowzero.* WHERE...Portions of east central and northeast Colorado, northwestand west central Kansas, and southwest Nebraska.* WHEN...From 5 PM MST /6 PM CST/ this afternoon through Tuesdaymorning.* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zerocould cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.Frostbite and hypothermia may occur if unprotected skin is exposedto these temperatures. Wind chill values may fall to extremelydangerous levels. An extended period of freezing temperaturescould cause ruptured water pipes.* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A prolonged period of of very coldtemperatures is likely from Saturday night through Tuesdaymorning. Wind chills and temperatures are forecast to graduallyget colder each night with Tuesday morning potentially being thecoldest. Tuesday morning does look to be the coldest as well forcounties along and east of Highway 83, where the previous nightswind chill may struggle to get to 15 below zero. Confidence ishigh in wind chills less than 15 below or colder across much ofthe area for the duration of this watch; however there is thepotential for much colder conditions especially if clouds breakand winds lighten some allowing for very strong radiationalcooling. Should this occur, then even a slight breeze wouldincrease the potential in 25 below zero wind chills or even lower.To prevent water pipes from freezing; insulate or drain or allowthem to drip slowly.Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates.Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, andunfrozen water.Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensureportable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grillsinside.Livestock need extra feed in severe and prolonged cold weather inorder to keep up body heat and maintain body condition.

National Weather Service