NYC Cold Snap Could Get Dangerous, City Warns

NEW YORK, NY — Winter weather has hit New York City, and it's about to get really cold really fast. Freezing temperatures and up to 40 mph wind gusts are making it feel as cold as 15 degrees on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The rest of the week won't be much better, with high temperatures in the low 30s expected on Thursday and Friday and wind chill values in the teens. Temperatures will get above freezing again on Saturday, with an expected high of 37 degrees.

Weather this cold can be dangerous, especially for babies, seniors, homeless people and anyone with chronic heart and lung diseases, the city's Office of Emergency Management warns.

It's especially important to check on your neighbors and family members who could be at risk, officials say. But everyone should dress properly for the sub-freezing temperatures and stay inside as much as possible.

"With low temperatures and even lower wind chills over the next few days, make sure you bundle up outside and wear a hat, scarf and gloves," Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito said in a statement. "Limit your time outdoors if you can, and check in on elderly family members, neighbors, and people with increased health risks to make sure they are protected from the extreme cold."

Here are some tips for staying safe in this week's cold weather, courtesy of the Office of Emergency Management.

• If possible, stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you have to go outdoors, wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves.
• Shivering is an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Shivering is a signal to return indoors.
• Be safe at work. Workers who spend a lot of time outdoors are at risk for cold-related health impacts. If you are an employer, implement safe work practices, provide appropriate protective equipment, and train workers on how to stay safe during cold and winter weather.
• Limit alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol may make you feel warmer but it causes your body to lose heat faster. Alcohol also impairs your judgment which limits your ability to take appropriate precautions or remove yourself from a dangerously cold environment in time. As a result, alcohol actually increases your chances of hypothermia and frostbite.
• Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, and can worsen existing medical conditions such as heart and lung diseases.
• Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops to a dangerously low level. It can lead to death. Symptoms include: intense shivering, dizziness, trouble speaking, lack of coordination, sluggishness, drowsiness, confusion and shallow breathing.
• Frostbite occurs when parts of the body freeze, such as finger, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks. It can cause permanent damage. Symptoms include: red, painful or pale skin, unusually firm or waxy skin, and numbness.

Watch Now: NYC Cold Snap Could Get Dangerous

(Lead image: A homeless man in Manhattan tries to stay warm on a cold day in March. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)