Edna, Kentucky

... Kentucky winter weather awareness week this week...

November 15 through November 21 is winter weather awareness week in
Kentucky. The goal of the National Weather Service and our partners
in state and local government is to increase your awareness for
winter weather hazards. Now is the time to prepare.

Some cold weather has come in the past and more can be expected in
the future. In mid-winter across Kentucky... high temperatures
average between 35 and 45 while low temperatures average in the 20s.
Record low temperatures are below zero... with the all time record of
minus 37 in Shelbyville on January 19th 1994.

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 National Weather Service advises you to be prepared by dressing
appropriately this winter.

Please refer to weather.Gov/jacksonky for additional information on
weather and winter weather safety.