Bay Area inland regions is under an extreme cold warning which was issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 11:25 p.m. The warning is valid for Friday, Feb. 20 between 1 a.m. and 9 a.m.
The NWS San Francisco CA said, “Very cold conditions with sub-freezing temperatures in the mid-20s to low-30s expected.”
“Cold conditions will be hazardous to sensitive populations such as unhoused individuals. Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken. Prolonged exposure to the cold conditions will lead to hypothermia for people, pets, and livestock,” the NWS said. “Ensure portable heaters are working properly and are used correctly to avoid sparking a fire indoors. Do not use generators or grills inside as carbon monoxide poisoning can result. Check with your local, city, or county officials for information on available warming centers. Be sure to dress in layers if outdoors. Make sure that pets and livestock have adequate food, unfrozen water, and warmth. Cover or tend to sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation.”
The full list of affected locations includes:
- North Bay Interior Mountains
- North Bay Interior Valleys
- East Bay Interior Valleys
- Eastern Santa Clara Hills
- East Bay Hills
- Southern Salinas Valley/Arroyo Seco and Lake San Antonio
- Santa Lucia Mountains and Los Padres National Forest
- Mountains Of San Benito County And Interior Monterey County Including Pinnacles National Park
Emergency alerts in the San Francisco Bay Area
All enabled mobile phones in the area will receive emergency alerts for “considerable or catastrophic” hazards. To monitor other local risk, residents are advised to sign up for county alert systems and to monitor agencies’ social media. Follow these instructions to enable your phone to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs). To receive local alerts in the Bay Area, visit each county’s website:
Understanding cold weather alerts
Extreme cold warning: Take Action! An extreme cold warning is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are expected or occurring. If you are in an area with an extreme cold warning, avoid going outside. If you have to go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person knows your whereabouts. Update them when you arrive safely at your destination.
Extreme cold watch: Be Prepared. An extreme cold watch is issued when dangerously cold air temperatures or wind chill values are possible. As with a warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas, and update your winter survival kit.
Cold weather advisory: Be Aware. A cold weather advisory is issued when seasonably cold air temperatures or wind chill values, but not extremely cold values, are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.
For more weather alerts in the Bay Area, visit Weather Advisories
