NWS: Extreme Cold Expected Wednesday, Thursday

WARWICK, RI — The National Weather service warns of extreme cold and high winds   Wednesday and Thursday, starting off with snow.

Snow showers are likely between 5 and 7 p.m., tonight, the weather service reports. The snow could be heavy at times, with a west wind 11 to 20 mph in the afternoon, and gusts as high as 43 mph.

Wednesday night the low will be around 4 degrees, with wind chill values as low as -10.  Winds could gust as high as 48 mph, according to the weather service.

Thursday will be sunny, but with a high near 16 and wind chill values as low as -13. There will also be a west wind blowing at about 14 mph.

The Red Cross has posted a number of personal and homeowner tips for dealing with extreme cold weather:

Avoid unnecessary exposure to the cold. Be aware of both the temperature and the wind chill when planning outdoor activities. When you prepare to go outside in severe cold weather, please remember the following:

• Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
• Dressing in layers helps you retain heat. You can remove layers as needed if you become too warm.
• Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
• Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol if you expect you or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.
• Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
• Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.