The National Weather Service has issued alerts for dangerously cold conditions across the region in the upcoming days. Wind chills are forecast to reach an incredible -40°F in some areas.
For Orange County and Rockland Counties, a Wind Chill Advisory is now in place from 5:00pm on Friday, February 3, 2023, through 9:00am on Saturday. Wind chills are forecast to reach -25°F due to actual temperatures around 0°F and wind gusts to 35 mph. The National Weather Service cautions that frostbite can occur on exposed skin within 30 minutes, in addition to the possibility of hypothermia.
In western portions of Ulster County, wind chills are forecast to plunge to an incredible -40°F. A Wind Chill Warning is in effect from 6:00am Friday through 12:00pm Saturday. This can cause frostbite on exposed skin in just 10 minutes, the National Weather Service says.
For Sullivan County, a Wind Chill Warning has been issued from 7:00am Friday through 12:00pm Saturday. Dangerously cold wind chills are expected to reach -35°F.
For eastern portions of Dutchess County, a Wind Chill Warning is in effect from 10:00am Friday through 10:00am Saturday. Wind chills are forecast to reach -30°F, causing frostbite on exposed skin in 20 to 30 minutes.
Other portions of the area are under a Wind Chill Advisory, which is one step below a warning. Eastern portions of Ulster County, as well as western sections of Dutchess County, are under the advisory from 10:00am Friday to 10:00am Saturday. In these locations, wind chills are expected to drop to -20°F.
In anticipation of the cold weather, the City of Newburgh has already pre-planned the opening of a warming center on Friday and Saturday. The Activity Center, located at 401 Washington Street, will be open from 8:00am to 8:00pm both days. Those who need a place to stay warm can simply show up.
Orange County residents can call the Orange County Crisis Call Center at 311 or 1-800-832-1200 for additional resources and other warming center locations.
Live weather conditions, including the temperature and active weather alerts, can be viewed on The Newburgh News from Vail’s Gate Tower at https://newburghnews.press/kvgt/.
