Full Notification

* WHAT...An extended period of temperatures up to 30 degrees below normal. Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 to 30 degrees below zero expected.

* WHERE...In Maryland, Extreme Western Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Virginia, Western Highland County. In West Virginia, Western Grant, Western Mineral, and Western Pendleton Counties.

* WHEN...Until 10 AM EST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.

* AFFECTED AREAS: GARRETT ... EXTREME WESTERN ALLEGANY ... WESTERN HIGHLAND ... EASTERN HIGHLAND ... NORTHERN VIRGINIA BLUE RIDGE ... CENTRAL VIRGINIA BLUE RIDGE ... WESTERN GRANT ... WESTERN MINERAL ... WESTERN PENDLETON ... EASTERN PENDLETON

Instructions:

Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly. Drain in-ground sprinkler systems and cover above ground pipes. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.