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Health Department recommends caution ahead of arctic air, possible snow

FILE PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

The Hopkinton Health Department is advising residents to take precautions as more cold weather makes its way into the region this weekend.

A situational awareness statement from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, shared with the Independent, states that regional and federal agencies are monitoring another round of arctic air that settled in Thursday night and continues through Friday morning.

According to the statement, temperatures will get as cold as minus 5 degrees. Wind chills up to 18 below are expected, per a cold weather advisory from the National Weather Service.

Meanwhile, another winter storm may move into the area on Sunday. Weather reports from WCVB note three possible tracks for the storm and anticipate it will bring heavy snow to southeastern Massachusetts.

Prolonged exposure to the cold and snow may result in hypothermia and frostbite. MEMA reported in its statement that exposed skin can become frostbitten in as little as 30 minutes under the current forecast conditions.

“Have gloves on and take extra precautions,” said Health Director Shaun McAuliffe. He added that extremely cold air can exacerbate lung issues and can cause asthma-like symptoms.

“Parents, and all residents for that matter, should be properly dressed for the frigid weather,” McAuliffe stated in a follow-up email. “The risk of frostbite is real.”

Ahead of more potential snow, the health director advocated for clearing roofs of extra snow, leaving a faucet dripping to prevent freezing and making sure outdoor vents are clear to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

McAuliffe also advocated for taking caution while shoveling snow, and recommended residents review safety tips for extreme cold on the MEMA website.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

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Photo of the Day

Deja, a 7-year-old mixed breed, enjoys a taste of the snow in a backyard near downtown.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR