MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Residents are being cautioned about rapidly falling temperatures into the single didgits, wind chills well below zero and winds over 44-miles-per-hour. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” MetroNews Accuweather meteorologist Jeff Nordean said Thursday night temperatures fall from a high of 42 during the day to 10 degrees with wind and a 100-percent chance of precipitation.
“That’s when temperatures fall below freezing and then a rapid flash freeze could happen a few hours later dropping temperatures into the single digits,” Nordean said.
Nordean said Friday temperatures continue to tumble to 3 degrees with wind chill values as low as -21 degrees. Bitter cold temperatures are stationary in the region through Monday, according to the forecast.
“Wear layers and cover skin- eyes, ears, nose everything is very important,” Nordean said. “Because frostbite and hypothermia can happen very quickly.”
Morgantown Utility Board Spokesman (MUB), Chris Dale said residents should drain outside hose bibs by shutting the indoor supply off and drain remaining water in the line from the outside. He also advises residents to open cabinet doors with water services to allow warm air circulation, and if possible use straw or other material outside to minimize cold air infiltration.
“A little bit more than a fast drip, make sure the water is running continuously,” Dale said. “You want to keep the water flowing in the pipes to prevent freezing.”
When preparing for cold weather focus on water lines closest to cold conditions. Dale recommends the use of heat tape in some cases and reminds mobile home residents they could be more likely to have frozen pipes.
“Generally, it’s the pipes on the outside walls of the home,” Dale said. “Also, mobile homes have pipes underneath and we see a lot of problems with mobile homes.”
Ice and windy conditions will also likely lead to power outages in the region.
Mon Power Spokesperson Hannah Catlett said residents should be sure to have a full charge on cell phones and electronic devices. If you live in an all-electric home consider an approved alternate heating source, but never use a gas-powered generator inside the home or garage. Always use a generator at least 20-feet away from the home.
Catlett said officials are watching the approaching storm system and will determine where, if any, additional crews will be needed to restore power. She reminds residents the severe weather conditions will also limit their ability to respond in some cases.
“We have a hard time putting a crew member up safely in a bucket truck, so we have to wait for the winds to die down before we can make certain repairs,” Catlett said. “Also, with the flash freeze that’s predicted, just like normal people are going to be dealing with the roads could be bad.”
Mon Power customers with problems are asked to call 1-888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877).
Appalachian Power customers can call 800-956-4237 to report problems.
Morgantown Utility Board customers cane report problems after hours by calling 304-296-4322.