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Ulster County officials are warning residents to prepare for dangerously cold temperatures expected to hit the region this weekend. An arctic air mass—described as the coldest of the season—is forecast to move into the area late Friday night and remain through Sunday night.
The Ulster County Department of Emergency Services has issued an alert ahead of the extreme weather conditions, according to Mid-Hudson News. The National Weather Service has placed Ulster County under an extreme cold watch from Saturday evening until Sunday afternoon.
Wind chills could plummet to between 20 and 35 degrees below zero, creating conditions where frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Snow showers and isolated snow squalls are possible Friday night into Saturday morning, with strong winds expected to cause blowing and drifting snow, especially at higher elevations.
In response to the forecast, local warming centers are extending their hours. The Kingston Warming Center at 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church will continue its 24/7 operations through March 31. The Ellenville Warming Center at the Hunt Memorial Building will shift to 24-hour operations beginning Thursday morning through Monday.
"The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes," warns the National Weather Service. "Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside."
Health experts recommend several precautions during extreme cold:
- Limit time outdoors
- Bring pets inside
- Use heating equipment safely
- Check on vulnerable neighbors
- Wear multiple layers of clothing
- Cover all exposed skin when venturing outside
- Keep at least half a tank of gas in vehicles
The bitter temperatures and gusty winds also create risks for infrastructure damage, including frozen or burst pipes. Residents are advised to wrap pipes or allow them to drip slowly to prevent freezing.
For those needing assistance, the Kingston center can be reached at (845) 334-0551, and the Family of Woodstock Hotline is available at (845) 338-2370. Law enforcement and partner agencies may transport individuals directly to warming centers.
This arctic outbreak is part of a larger weather pattern affecting much of the Northeast, with similar warnings issued for neighboring counties including Dutchess, Greene, and Columbia.