It's going to get colder outside.
An arctic cold front is expected to move into the area late today, bringing the coldest air so far this season.
High temperatures Sunday will likely occur during the morning, with temperatures expected to gradually fall during the day, according to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, La. In addition, there is the potential for light rain or drizzle to transition to light freezing rain, light freezing drizzle or light snow late tonight across Southeast Oklahoma and Southwest Arkansas before it possibly spreads south into extreme Northeast Texas.
Little if any snow or ice accumulation is expected.
According to NWS, temperatures will fall below freezing across the area Sunday afternoon and are expected to remain near or below freezing through Tuesday and possibly Wednesday, with nighttime temperatures falling into the upper teens. In addition, winds New Year's Day and Tuesday morning will result in dangerously cold wind chill values, falling into the single digits to lower teens over much of the region.
Officials at the local Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter said they are prepared to take in more people if necessary.
"Right now, we are still taking donations of anything and everything we can get to help out with the incoming weather," said Allen Milton, a resident and volunteer with the shelter. "Right now, we've mostly received winter coats and hats, and we are still accepting any other donated items that can help-like toothpaste, tooth brushes, razors, cough and cold medicine and pain pills."
Helen Diggs, the shelter's residential case manager, said the shelter recently underwent some renovations, which has added to the square footage and living space inside, and she added that the building's doors will be open 24 hours a day for any and all needing protection from the cold.
"We have more room, we've added space and we have blankets and pillows for those in need of a place to stay," she said. "People are welcome here because we don't want anybody to freeze. Right now we could use some more blankets, coats and gloves, as well as soap, razors, shampoo and warm beverages like coffee. No one needs to show an ID to get in to check into the shelter. All are welcomed."
Precautions should be taken now to wrap any exposed pipes and ensure that the elderly and those who may not have adequate indoor heating are kept warm. Pets should be brought inside or have shelter provided.
Anyone who has to be outside in these very cold temperatures should dress in layers and wear gloves and a hat. Extended exposure will lead to frostbite and hypothermia.
Cold weather also brings the danger of fire caused by heating equipment.
Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Half of home heating equipment fires are reported during the months of December, January and February. Some simple steps can prevent most heating-related fires from happening.
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
- Have a 3-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions.
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
- Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month.