For the North Oregon Coast Range, Central Oregon Coast Range, Tualatin Valley, West Hills and Chehalem Mountains, Inner Portland Metro, East Portland Metro, Outer Southeast Portland Metro, West Central Willamette Valley, and East Central Willamette Valley, the National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory at 9:16 p.m. on Thursday. The advisory was in effect until 8 a.m. on Friday.
“Cold apparent (feels-like) temperatures as low as 17 degrees F,” according to the weather agency. “Areas exposed to north and easterly winds, or elevations exceeding 700 feet, will suffer the coldest apparent (feels-like) temperatures. Temperatures in regions with continuous cloud cover will be higher than expected. The likelihood that perceived temperatures will surpass 25 degrees Fahrenheit by 6 a.m. is approximately 50%.
The meteorological service states, “Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure,” “To avoid frostbite and/or hypothermia, anyone who intend to go outside should exercise common sense and dress warmly, covering any exposed skin. Avoid staying outside in damp weather as this can make it more likely that the body will cool down and become hypothermic.
Understanding cold weather alerts
Warning of cold weather: Exercise caution. When seasonably cold air temperatures or wind chill values—but not exceptionally severe ones—are anticipated or happening, a cold weather advisory is issued. When you and your loved ones go outside, make sure you cover any exposed skin and wear suitable clothing.
Warning: Extreme cold: Act now! When dangerously low air temperatures or wind chill values are predicted or already occurring, an extreme cold warning is issued. Avoid venturing outside if there is an extreme cold warning in effect. Make sure at least one other person is aware of your whereabouts, wear layers if you must go outside, and cover any exposed skin. When you reach your destination safely, update them.
Be ready for extreme cold watch. When extremely low air temperatures or wind chill values are possible, an extreme cold watch is issued. As with a warning, change your plans so that you don’t spend the coldest hours of the day outside. Update your winter survival gear and make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas left.
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