Thursday may be the coldest day in Chattanooga this winter. It will feel like -6.

Whitney Ridley, a senior UTC student from Nashville, wears a scarf for protection from the cold wind as she walks across campus.
Whitney Ridley, a senior UTC student from Nashville, wears a scarf for protection from the cold wind as she walks across campus.

Wednesday school delays, closings

Bledsoe County Schools - closedCatoosa County Schools - two hour delayChickamauga City Schools - two hour delayDade County Schools - two hour delayHamilton County Schools - two hour delayGrundy County Schools - closedMarion County Schools - closed McMinn County Schools - closedMeigs County - closedPolk County Schools - closedRhea County Schools - closedRichard Hardy Memorial School - closedSequatchie County Schools - closedWalker County Schools - two hour delay

Thursday may be the coldest day in Chattanooga this winter.

At its coldest, the Tennessee Valley will feel like six degrees below zero. That's expected around 9 a.m.

The actual low temperature will be around 9 degrees, but the wind chill will make it feel much colder.

Thursday's high will approach just 21 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Tomorrow, on Wednesday, the high will be 28 degrees.

There is also a chance of snow Thursday night.

Cold weather car tips from AAA

1. Check anti-freeze to see that it protects the engine down to -30 F.2. If the battery is weak or more than three years old, consider replacing it.3. Put winter-blended windshield washer fluid in the reservoir so that the windshield can be cleaned at critical times without icing up.4. Fill the gas tank to help avoid fuel line freeze-up.5. If the tire pressures are low, fill them up today the extreme cold weather will make them dangerously underinflated tomorrow.6. If not possible to park the car in a garage, consider covering the windshield with a blanket or some other large cloth, anchoring it in the doors and under the windshield wipers. This can eliminate manually scraping ice off the windshield tomorrow, or waiting long times for the engine and defroster to clear the ice.7. Consider what to take inside from the car tonight: portable electronic items may be damaged by extreme cold and containers of water or other fluids may freeze and then burst when warmed up tomorrow.8. It will be tempting to start the engine tomorrow morning and let it idle to warm up the car. Some automotive experts approve of that, others don't, but in any case remember that other car systems suspension, braking, hydraulic, electronic, tires will not have warmed up when the car first starts moving. Travel at moderate speeds the first couple of miles to let the entire car warm up.9. If a motorist becomes stranded, there are no absolutely guaranteed ways to stay safe, but AAA recommends that it is best to stay with the vehicle. If the engine can be started, run it only long enough to keep warm. Make sure the exhaust pipe is snow-free. Always travel with a cell phone and car charger.

Cold-proofing home tips from State Farm

* Insulate pipes in the crawl spaces and attic * Heat tape or heat cables can be used to wrap pipes * Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near where pipes are located with caulk or insulation * Disconnect garden hoses * A trickle of both hot and cold water can keep pipes from freezing * Keep thermostat up at night, no lower than 55 degrees. * Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls * If pipes freeze, leave faucets turned on and call a plumber * If pipes burst, turn off water at main shutoff valve in the house, leave the water faucets turned on.

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