The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory and air stagnation advisory for the central and southern Willamette Valley, including Philomath and surrounding Benton County communities.
The cold weather advisory is in effect from midnight Wednesday through 10 a.m. Thursday with wind chill values expected to drop below 25 degrees. Near or below freezing temperatures are forecast to continue through Sunday morning across the region.
“Cold mornings like this can be dangerous, especially for people without adequate heat,” said Bryan Lee, Benton County emergency manager. “Taking a few simple precautions can help keep you, your family and your neighbors safe.”
Also, an air stagnation advisory remains in effect until noon Friday. Light winds and limited air movement will trap pollutants close to the ground, potentially causing deteriorating air quality that may affect people with respiratory problems, the NWS advised.
Residents are encouraged to dress in warm layers and limit time outdoors during nighttime and early morning hours. Those venturing outside should ensure exposed skin is properly covered to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
The National Weather Service advises checking on older family members, friends and neighbors, and ensuring portable heaters are used correctly. Generators and grills should never be used indoors.
Residents should keep pets indoors as much as possible and ensure outdoor animals have warm, dry shelter, food and unfrozen water.
Motorists are encouraged to place spare blankets and winter gear such as hats and gloves in vehicles in case of emergency.
State air quality agencies recommend limiting outdoor burning and reducing use of residential wood burning devices during the air stagnation period. Prolonged stagnant air conditions hold pollutants where people live and breathe, officials said.
People with respiratory illness should follow their physician’s advice for dealing with high pollution levels, officials said. Residents can check for Air Quality Alerts at www.weather.gov/pqr.
Anyone without adequate heat or shelter can call 211 for assistance locating appropriate cold weather shelter.