The temperature just after 6 this morning is zero.
View full sizeMy hand got cold in a hurry taking this photo about half way to work. I eventually pulled the hood tighter. As I write this, the temperature is zero and the chill factor is minus 23, the National Weather Service says.
I walked to work this morning.
So, what did I wear for the 1.3-mile stroll?Heavy wool hiking socks. A brace on my right knee, after slipping on the ice during a predawn walk down here two weeks ago. (The ice wasn't so bad this morning; except on Spring Garden Street where they think downspouts should empty water, now ice, across the sidewalk. Yes, Judge Grifo, this includes you; or at least your office.)
Cold weather running tights. Compression (meaning skin-tight) cold weather long-sleeved undershirt.
Button down business shirt (hey, it's work; I can only get away with sweat clothes during a snowstorm). Zip-up in-between cold weather layer (high neck zipped up). Lined jeans. Heavy-duty, insulated hiking boots. Hooded, zip-up sweatshirt.
Parka that's rated to minus 20. Hat that professes to use the heat of my head to keep my head warm; a gift from my daughter, Abbie. It reaches below my ears. Heavy-duty gloves rated to minus 20, a gift from my son, Nick, as were the tights and zip-up. I brought a second pair of gloves that when wearing I can operate my phone; I often wear them under my warmer ones.
Missing -- a face mask. Gonna have to get one. The wind cut like razor blades on the small amount of skin left open to the weather. Jennie, it might make a good birthday gift. (I'm easy to buy for -- stuff that keeps me warm on my walks.)
Mustache (which froze during the 20-minute walk). Beard. Didn't shave after November when it started snowing in early December. Glasses, which protect the eyes -- and allow me to see.
I was warm by the time I hit Downtown, even sweating a bit. And, no, I wasn't like Ralphie in a"A Christmas Story." I could move my arms. I pealed layers as soon as I was inside.
But, if you don't have the gear, don't risk it. Frostbite is nothing to fool with. It can set in within minutes in conditions such as today.
No, this wasn't the coldest day in which I've strolled. In late January 1994, it was minus 11 as I wandered back home from work. My glasses froze and my gear wasn't as good. The overnight low that night was minus 15, with a chill factor of minus 35, both all-time records around here.
But it's been awhile.
Many schools are either closed or delayed this morning. Smart move. Check out the list. Bundle up the kids if they have to go out.
With winds expected to gust up to 33 mph and a high of only 7, outside is not the place to be. And don't count of your car starting. It's going to be a busy day for AAA.
There are 43 PPL Electric Utilities customers without power in Bethlehem Township, Pa. Met-Ed's map was clear at the moment. JCP&L had a small outage -- one to 20 customers -- south of Hackettstown. The power companies expect record winter usage today.
Here's some hope -- it's expected to be 48 on Saturday. However, it's expected to rain or snow. But let's not focus on that. Of course, it was 56 this time on Monday. A day can make all the difference.
The best advice? Be smart. Be safe. And stay inside.