(WFRV) – Throughout the past couple of days, Local 5 has brought coverage concerning the cold snap that has frostbitten much of the state.
Click here for warming shelters and cold-weather resources across northeast Wisconsin
Wisconsin is, unfortunately, no exception to this, and Storm Team 5’s team of meteorologists has you covered with the latest on just how cold it has been and will be throughout the weekend.
Multiple reporters spoke with experts and people outside braving the elements to ensure that things still happen, whether it was at the Appleton International Airport. Local 5’s Ellie Davis spoke to Director Abe Weber, who said the airport is still good to go in spite of the cold.
Many travelers told Ellie that they wished they had stayed behind on vacation, or expressed excitement as they escaped the frigid temperatures.
Back inside homes, people have to keep their furry loved ones safe. Local 5’s Daniel Schuster spoke to several animal experts across the area, who provided deep insight into how people can protect their furry loved ones during the frigid temperatures.
Ellie also spoke to the Department of Natural Resources about the viral rumors over ‘exploding trees,’ who told her that those claims are very misleading, as it’s actually a phenomenon called
On Thursday, Daniel talked to local business owners and representatives about how they’d handle the cold, many telling him that they’d be closed, as it was too unsafe for visitors.
The NEW Zoo and Wisconsin Humane Society, while they still had staff at their respective sites, were closed to the public to protect people and animals.
Ahead of the cold snap, Local 5’s Blake Borths spoke with mechanics and car experts on how to keep cars safe and usable, especially considering the engine issues that arise from cold weather. Blake also spoke with city officials and utility workers about the likelihood of an increase in water main breaks during extreme cold.
Local 5’s Paul Steeno spoke to organizations about how they’re helping the most vulnerable community members—homeless individuals—as the cold weather can be life-threatening if people are outside for too long, and not properly bundled up.
On Friday, Storm Team 5’s Nathan Himpsl held a special episode of Storm Team 5+ to discuss how Wisconsinites can stay safe, breaking down why this cold snap came around and some of the historic data from it.
Himpsl and fellow Storm Team 5 meteorologist Ryan Kudish compiled some historic data about the cold snap, which brought some of the coldest temperatures that northeast Wisconsin has seen in several years.
Some tips from ThedaCare Emergency Medicine Physician Dr. Nathan Larsen are as follows:
- Dress in layers
- Waterproof outer layer, insulating middle and a moisture-wicking base layer
- Protect extremities
- Nose, fingers, ears, toes
- Wear gloves, insulated boots, a hat and a scarf/facemask
- Limit time outdoors on the coldest days
Dr. Larsen also says that it’s important to walk almost like a penguin when on slippery surfaces as well, pointing your feet slightly outward to provide better stability, and also wear proper footwear with good traction.
While each of the aforementioned stories is above, here’s a table with links to each, with a short description of each:
Freezing Wisconsin temps causing windshields to crack, auto technician explains why
Click here for a full list of closings, which is updated automatically as individual organizations submit their information.
And of course, Stay Warm!
