Frigid weather expected tonight

As a swath of arctic air impacts weather across the nation, the National Weather Service forecast for Stephens County continues to show temperatures tonight dropping to a low of between 17 and 18 degrees, with Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

The daytime forecast for today shows a 50 % chance of rain, possibly mixing with snow after 9am in higher elevations. The high temperature will be 43, with west northwest wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.  

The Stephens County School System is operating on a regular schedule today, Tuesday, Jan. 16.

Due to inclement weather predicted for the northern counties, the NGTC Blairsville campus will be closed and classes canceled on Tuesday, January 16. Blairsville students should check their email for class assignments from their instructors. The Currahee and Clarkesville campuses will operate on a normal schedule for January 16.

After tonight’s frigid temperatures, the daytime forecast for Wednesday is Sunny, with a high near 43 and west winds 6 to 8 mph. Wednesday night, temperatures will drop back down to a low of 22. Thursday night’s temperatures are expected to rebound and stay just above freezing at 33, but Friday night’s forecast shows temperatures plummeting again, with a low of 17 expected, and dropping to 16 on Saturday night, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday daytime forecasts calling for sunny skies and temperatures of 45, 36 and 42, respectively. 

Steve Paysen with the Hope Center of Toccoa, told WNEG News that the Center will be opening as a warming shelter tonight and tomorrow night, and said they would assess the weather beyond that on a day by day basis. He said area churches will be providing evening meals tonight and tomorrow, but asked that any other churches who would like to volunteer to assist, call 706-898-5050 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. today.  The shelter Hope Center is located at 158 S Broad Street in Toccoa.  

Remember to protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and pipes in unheated areas with pipe insulation before temperatures drop below freezing. If pipe insulation is not available, rags, newspapers, trash bags, plastic foam or even bubble wrap can add needed protection.

Cover any vents around your home’s foundation. Drain water hoses and store them in a garage or shed.

The National Weather Service also recommends the following:  Minimize travel; Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold; Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel; Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc; Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts; Check on the elderly; Bring pets inside, and provide shelter for outdoor pets or strays.

The Humane Society also reminds people to honk your horn a few times before you start your car, especially in cold weather, as cats, kittens and wild animals may have sought shelter under, or in the engine compartment of your vehicle. Consider providing a shelter for strays by putting a cardboard box with a blanket outside, and a bowl of unfrozen water where stray, lost or wild/feral animals can drink is also recommended. Animals can survive an extended period without food, but need regular access to drinkable water, and many outside sources of water are unavailable during periods of freezing weather.