CLEVELAND — The arctic blast has arrived in Northeast Ohio, and it has brought bone-chilling cold temperatures, school closings, business closings and suspended garbage pickup for parts of the region. Here's everything you need to know for the day ahead.
Forecast
Lake effect snow is possible with near-record, dangerous cold. The HIGH Wednesday is minus 1 degree, and the low is minus 6 degrees, with wind chills expected to be minus 20 to minus 35 in some areas. Read the full forecast here.
Tips:
- Dress in layers
- Temps in the teens all day
- Bitter cold air set for Wednesday and Thursday
- Wind chills as low as -20 to -35 possible by Wednesday!
Wind Chill Warning
A Wind Chill Warning has been issued for Northeast Ohioas brutal temperatures start to move into the area. The Wind Chill Warning is in effect from 1 a.m. on Wednesday to 4 p.m. on Thursday, meaning a combination of very cold air and wind will create dangerously low wind chill values.
School closings
More than 600 schools and organizations are closed as wind chills dip below -15 degrees and dropping. Find the full list here.
Banks closings
Chase Bank announced it's closing all locations in Ohio because of dangerous weather, according to a tweet from Chase Support. Chase ATMS and mobile banking will still be available.
U.S. Bank also said it's closing a number of locations on account of the dangerous conditions throughout the region. If customers are looking for location-specific information, the bank encourages them to contact customer service at 1 (800) 872-2657 (1-800-usbanks) before venturing out.
Free Rides
Lyft is offering free rides to warming centers.
Flights canceled out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
There are several flights departing from Cleveland Hopkins that are canceled or delayed Wednesday. Flights to New York, Milwaukee and Chicago are among the flights canceled. More info on flight status here.
USPS did not cancel delivery services on Wednesday
After initially stating that mail service would be suspended in zip codes beginning with 441 and 458, the USPS issued a statement that mail would, in fact, be delivered in those zip codes and throughout Northeast Ohio. They then suspended mail delivery service at 2 p.m.
Government Office, Organization, Large Business Closings
Many courts, government offices, organizations and large businesses around our area have also announced they are closing. See a list here. NOTE: This list may not be comprehensive - we recommend you check the website and social media channels of an organization before you head out Wednesday and Thursday.
Allergic to the cold?
Yep, it's a real thing. Mike Brookbank learned more.
Where's the warmest spot in Cleveland?
Homa Bash found the warmest spot in Cleveland right now - find out where it is here.
What was the sound?
Did you hear a loud boom or bang today? It may have been a "frost quake." Learn more about them here.
Cold cancels crime in Coshocton
It's so cold, the sheriff's office canceled crime in the whole county. Read the story here.
Film crews continue to film despite freezing temperatures
No mail delivery services Wednesday. Schools are closed. Businesses are closed. But somehow, the arctic blast hasn't stopped crews from filming. Crews are filming "Queen and Slim" on St. Clair Avenue. More info here.
Firefighters in Woodmere battled an apartment complex fire in freezing temps
Freezing temperatures had firefighters struggling to disconnect hoses from each other. Normally they would reload the truck with the hoses, but because it's so cold, they are letting them thaw out at the station. More info here.
How to prevent frostbite
As you head outside, it's important to dress properly because frostbite can kick in anywhere between 10-15 minutes. Using thermal imaging, spokesperson for the Parma Fire Department TJ Martin shows just how quickly heat can escape your body if not properly dressed. More info on how to prevent frostbite here.
Freezing pipes
Pipes are at risk of freezing because of sudden temperature drops and poor insulation. AAA offers some advice on how to prevent your pipesfrom freezing and what to do if you pipes happen to freeze.
Canceling garbage pickup
Cities across Northeast Ohio such as Rocky River, Strongsville and Brunswick and Painesville have canceled their trash collection on Wednesday. Find more info and full list here.
Tip for pet owners
Don't forget about your furry friends! Here's some tips that will keep your pet happy and healthy.
Tips for home owners
You're probably wondering what to do to keep your home safe during these freezing temperatures. Here are some tips .
Tips for drivers
Whether you need a survival kit or windshield wiper fluid, we have some tips that can help you during the cold weather.
Warming Shelters
Warming centers and shelters are opening for those looking to escape the cold. View a list of warming shelters across our area here.
Winter Weather Guide
Read the Power of 5 Weather Team's Winter Weather Guidefor more tips and advice for surviving the cold. It includes this Wind Chill Chart from the National Weather Service, which gives a good idea of how soon frostbite may set in on exposed skin.
Send us your winter storm pics and video
We want to see what you’re seeing. First and foremost – STAY SAFE. Do not go out in unsafe conditions or use your phone while driving just to snap a pic or video. If you are able to SAFELY do so, send pictures and video of conditions in your area:
Email: newsdesk@wews.com
Facebook: Message us or post on our page here: News 5 Cleveland
Twitter: Mention\tag @WEWS on Twitter.
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Make sure to include your name (if you would like to receive credit), the specific location of your image or video, the time it was taken, and any other information you want to provide.
