Arctic air brings chance of snow to Chattanooga area this weekend

Possible snow tile
Possible snow tile
photo Possible snow tile

COLDER AND COLDER

Today High: 54 Low: 18 Sunday High: 28 Low: 21 50 percent chance of snow Sunday night Monday High: 33 Low: 30 60 percent chance of snow Monday morning, 50 percent chance of rain/snow Monday night Source: National Weather Service

Weather tips

Hamilton County Emergency Services wants everyone to remember this important information: Cold air impacts: * Those not dressed appropriately will be susceptible to hypothermia/frostbite. * Exposed pipes may freeze * Threat to outside pets and livestock Prepare: * Dress appropriately if you are going outdoors, especially children * Cover or insulate exposed pipes * Bring in or provide shelter for livestock or outdoor pets * Check on the elderly or those with insufficient heat

Cold weather is coming to Hamilton County this weekend, and there's a strong chance we'll see some snow.

According to the National Weather Service, the coldest temperatures will be felt tonight -- the temperature is expected to plummet to the mid- to upper teens and strong winds will make it feel even colder. With expected winds of up to 30 miles an hour across the valley, the wind chill carrying over into Sunday morning could be anywhere from 5 degrees below or above zero. Sunday's high is expected to max out in the upper 20s, and there's a strong likelihood of snow across the county Sunday night into Monday morning.

"Right now, the models are bouncing around, so the exact numbers are likely to be adjusted closer to the event, but as of now, we can expect 1 to 2 inches of snowfall Sunday night into Monday morning, and it will be cold enough to stick," said National Weather Service meteorologist Sam Roberts.

As the cold descends, Hamilton County Emergency Services is encouraging people to dress appropriately if going outside (especially children), and to keep a close eye on the elderly or those with insufficient heat. Bring in or provide shelter for pets and livestock, and cover or insulate exposed pipes to reduce the likelihood of freezing.

"Right now it's too early to tell in terms of the snow, but that Arctic air is very important to prepare for, because it doesn't take long for hypothermia or frostbite to set in if you're outside for a long period of time," said Amy Maxwell, public information officer for Hamilton County Emergency Services.

Maxwell pointed out that even if there's snow Monday, schools will be unaffected because students will already be off for the Presidents Day holiday. She also said people interested in more information, including how to build a cold-weather emergency kit for their car, can go to www.hamiltonready.org.

Those who are without shelter are encouraged to go to one of the area's emergency shelters. The Chattanooga Rescue Mission and the Chattanooga Community Kitchen have been open every night this winter.

The Chattanooga Rescue Mission is located at 1512 S. Holtzclaw Ave. Its shelter opens at 5 p.m. and serves supper.

The Community Kitchen, at 727 E. 11th St., is open during the day and serves three meals daily. The overnight shelter accommodates up to 200 people, though that number is by no means a cut-off.

"We always make room," said David Costellow, the Community Kitchen's community development director.

Contact Will Healey at whealey@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6731.

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