Deep chill bears down on central Pennsylvania

Valentine’s Day dates should bundle up for a cold blast from the north that will cause below-zero temperatures over the weekend.

The Weather Channel projected possible record lows north and east of central Pennsylvania. It will be awfully cold in Centre County, but not enough to be historically low.

National Weather Service meteorologist Elyse Hagner said the extreme temperatures could cause frostbite and hypothermia in less than 30 minutes.

“If you have to be outside wear multiple, loose-fitting layers, hats, gloves and cover all of your exposed skin,” she said. “If you’re walking outside, take breaks in heated areas.”

An Arctic front will push cold air from the north across the Eastern United States, according to Hagner, who said people should also take precautions with pets.

“Get your pets inside,” Hagner said. “We’re also in central Pennsylvania where a lot of farms have livestock. If you have livestock, move them into a sheltered area.”

People should also run a trickle from at least one faucet and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Presidents Day will also close doors at local schools and some businesses, which should keep their thermostats at least at 55 degrees to avoid bursting pipes and sprinkler systems.

Centre County could also see snow Monday through Wednesday, though Hagner said it is too soon to make a prediction.

This story was originally published February 11, 2016 at 2:06 PM with the headline "Deep chill bears down on central Pennsylvania."