Winter wallops Bonner County
Forecasts are calling for record-setting cold temperatures, and experts are advosomg residents to take extra caution while braving the outdoors. (Photo by CAMERON RASMUSSON)
SANDPOINT — Northwest U.S. residents will likely be more thankful for space heaters than anything else as they contend with this week’s bone-chilling weather.
An icy arctic blast whipped through Canada and hit the U.S. this week, freezing the panhandle with 15 to 25 mile an hour gusts and a wind chill of 5 to 25 degrees below zero.
Blizzard warnings Monday night set the stage for record low temperatures throughout the week. Today is projected to be the coldest of the week, with a 5 to 9 degree high and evening temperatures as low as 21 below zero. The week stands to gradually improve from that point, with Wednesday in the single digits, Thanksgiving creeping into the 14 to 18 degree range and Friday easing up toward the lower to mid 20s.
Weather estimates suggest more comfortable weekend temperatures in the 30s.
The community responded quickly to the frigid temperatures. While school was held in regular session Monday, Lake Pend Oreille School District closed down today. They will determine whether or not to reopen for Wednesday later today.
“We’re also moving the regularly scheduled board meeting, which will now take place at 4 p.m. at the district office instead of Kootenai,” said district clerk of the board Julie Menghini.
Authorities advise residents to take safety measure for the well-being of themselves and their property. As the temperatures are easily capable of causing frostbite and hypothermia, people should wear plenty of protective clothing while venturing outdoors and limit their exposure to the cold. They also advise homeowners to ensure that all areas of the house are open to heat and to potentially leave a stream of water running in a sink to prevent pipe freezes.
During extremely cold weather, the Avista Corporation suggests using the winter setting on ceiling fans to spread warm air near the ceiling throughout the room and avoid using warmth-sapping kitchen or bath ventilation fans. The advisory also recommends rolling towels beneath exterior-leading doors and avoiding the use of wood-fueled fireplaces that can actually diminish heating system effectiveness.