Jan 26, 2007 By Rebekah Sungala 3 min read

Winter has arrived with a vengeance. In addition to snow accumulation, temperatures in the mid 20s are expected to last throughout the weekend, beginning today.

Brad Rehak, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, said snow bursts should blanket southwestern Pennsylvania with 1 to 3 inches of snow by Friday morning, with higher elevations possibly receiving around 6 inches.

According to Rehak, a steady wind blowing 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph, will bring the wind chill temperature to about 10 degrees below zero.

Despite the snow and frigid temperatures, Rehak said it could be worse.

In February 2006, Rehak said the region had several days when the temperature didn’t get out of the single digits, not taking wind chill into factor.

“It’s just winter,” he said. “It’s supposed to be like this.”

Sue Kozak-Griffith, public information officer for the Fayette County Emergency Management Agency, said the county is advising everyone to take extra safety precautions during the cold spell.

Griffith said babies and senior citizens should remain indoors this weekend if possible, in a room where a warm temperature can be maintained.

The very young and the elderly are more at risk due to the cold weather because their bodies make less heat, Griffith said.

Griffith also advises that children and adults who must go outside dress warmly and stay dry. Hats, scarves and mittens should be wore, in addition to layers of loose-fitting clothing, she said, noting that it’s important the face is covered.

And, Griffith said “persistent shivering” shouldn’t be ignored. Shivering is a sign someone is losing heat and needs to return indoors, she said.

The warning signs of hypothermia, according to Griffith, are shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. Bright red, cold skin is also a sign in infants, she said, noting that any person’s whose body temperature falls below 95 degrees needs to seek medical attention.

“The best defense against dealing with extreme winter conditions, cold and snow, is being prepared,” Griffith said.

Snow squalls throughout the day and evening Thursday resulted in several traffic accidents in Fayette, Greene and Washington counties, none of them too severe, according to spokespersons for local 911 centers.

“For skiers and winter buffs, snow is welcome and much anticipated. But snow, coupled with ice or freezing rain, is a deadly combination. It’s no wonder most people dread winter driving,” said Roy Shipley Jr., director of the Fayette County Office of Emergency Management.

Shipley said people should avoid driving during severe winter storms if possible.

“If you must travel, prepare yourself and your vehicle before the trip,” he said.