Bethel Warns Of Severely Cold Weather, Readies Warming Center

BETHEL, CT — Town officials are monitoring intense cold expected through Sunday, Feb. 5.

"The forecast is calling for an extreme drop in temperatures and dangerous wind chills this weekend, especially Friday night into Saturday. Please use caution if out and about in these dangerous temperatures," Acting First Selectman Rich Straiton said in an email to residents.

A wind chill advisory remains in effect from 5 p.m. Friday until 9 a.m. Saturday in southern Connecticut. The National Weather Service warns that, "Very cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 25 below zero… The wind chill values could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken… Frostbite on exposed skin can occur in as little as 30 minutes."

In response to approaching extreme cold temperatures, Straiton said the Municipal Center, which will be open this Saturday for various activities from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., will also be available as a warming center during those hours. Residents should enter via the rear handicap ramp by Park & Rec and use Meeting room A.

"With the kind of severe cold weather that is headed our way, frostbite can develop on exposed skin in under 30 minutes. Spending long periods of time outdoors in these conditions is not only harmful, it can be fatal. Shelters and warming centers are available across Connecticut. Anyone in need of a safe place to stay warm is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to a nearby location, and transportation can be provided if needed," Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement released earlier this week.