Newtown, Indiana

This week is winter weather preparedness week in Indiana. The goal of

The National Weather Service and our partners in government and the

Red Cross is to increase your preparedness for winter weather

Hazards. Now is the time to prepare.



Some cold weather has come and more can be expected. In mid-winter

Across Indiana... high temperatures average between 25 and 35 while

Lows average between 15 and 25. Records are below zero.



This winter... the National Weather Service outlook is for equal

Chances of below... near or above normal temperatures. You can expect

Some mild and cold spells. Precipitation chances are slightly better

To be below normal. Minor snow and ice events are likely. A big snow

Storm... ice storm or flood is always a possibility.



In addition to cold... wind chill is almost always present... and can

Be dangerous. Wind chill is the temperature it feels like outside due

To the wind carrying heat away from your body. Air temperatures near

Zero and winds to 20 mph create wind chills to 20 below zero leading

To frostbite in 30 minutes.



Frostbite occurs when skin freezes resulting in numbness and pale

White appearance to the affected area. Slowly re-warm the affected

Skin.



Hypothermia is identified by uncontrollable shivering... slurred

Speech... drowsiness or disorientation. If medical care is not

Available... warm the person with a blanket and warm liquids. Do not

Try to warm the arms or legs first... it drives cold blood to The

Heart and may lead to heart failure.



The Red Cross advises you to be prepared by dressing appropriately

This winter. Our radio broadcasts and web site are a great source for

Weather information.



On Tuesday... we will discuss travel safety.