The National Weather Service in Memphis has issued an Extreme Cold Warning, highlighting a severe cold snap gripping parts of the Mid-South. Weather data indicates current conditions include a few clouds with temperatures at a biting 14°F (-10°C), a humidity of 71%, and wind speeds reaching north at 12 mph, gusting to 20 mph. The NWS Memphis projects sunny skies today, but the wind chill could plummet to a harsh -12 degrees, with a high near a mere 18 degrees.
Residents are facing wind chills between zero and 16 below zero, posing significant risks such as hypothermia or frostbite "if precautions are not taken," warns the National Weather Service. Especially vulnerable are portions of East Arkansas, North Mississippi, Southeast Missouri, and West Tennessee. The dangerous conditions are expected to persist until noon CST Tuesday, according to the NWS report. The emphatic message from officials: stay indoors, layer up, and keep a watchful eye on the vulnerable and the pets who rely on humans for their warmth and well-being.
Beyond the bone-chilling temperatures, the region is also dealing with the aftermath of a winter storm, exacerbating the cold's impact. The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement underscoring the persistence of dangerous travel conditions across the Mid-South due to ice and snow, with an emphasis on hazardous roadways and black ice. The Service advises those in the affected area to avoid all non-essential travel, and for those who must venture out, to come prepared for emergencies.
