Schools Close, Delay Openings Ahead of Arctic Blast| 06:01PM / Wednesday, January 07, 2015 | |
 Temperatures dropped into the single digits Wednesday afternoon and were expected to go much lower before the night was over. |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Schools around the region have already announced closures or delays in anticipation of frigid temperatures on Thursday morning.
The National Weather Service is predicting wind chill values of 25 degrees to 35 degrees below zero.
A severe weather alert and wind chill warning is in effect until 11 a.m. on Thursday.
Temperatures began dropping precipitously Wednesday afternoon as Arctic air began to plunge toward the southern United States, leaving the Midwest and Eastern seaboard in the minus temperatures.
North Adams, Clarksburg, Florida, Hancock and Richmond had canceled school by late afternoon; others, including Pittsfield, Williamstown and Lanesborough, instituted 2-hour delays to allow temperatures to rebound a little before children began walking or standing at bus stops.
Pittsfield will implement its "Polar Express," first used last year, to pick up children who normally walk beginning at 9 a.m. A full list of times and streets is available here.
The frigid cold can be dangerous for those working or spending time outside, including pets. A wind chill index below minus-30 degrees can cause frostbite within 10 minutes.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is recommending people minimize exposure to the cold; if you have to be out, wear multiple lightweight layers and make sure your head, hands and feet are protected. Children, the elderly and pets should stay inside. A full list of recommendations can be found here.
The state fire marshal's office is also cautioning residents not to overload electrical systems or use portable heaters to replace heating systems. Set your thermostat as low as comfortable so as not to overtax your furnace and make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector. Don't overfire wood and pellet stoves and make sure you properly dispose of hot ashes.
"Expected subfreezing temperatures will tax our heating and electrical systems as we try to stay warm, so a little caution can help you make you it safely through the extreme weather," said State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan. "We've already seen a number of serious fires, so take a few minutes to protect yourself and your family."
An Alberta Clipper system of frigid air and possible snow is also expected to hit the region beginning on Thursday night.
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