Arctic Mass, Subzero Temps Possible In Northern Ohio: Forecast

CLEVELAND — An arctic mass is rolling into northern Ohio and could lead to subzero temperatures in parts of the region on Friday night, according to forecasts.

Communities east of Cleveland are projected to hit an overnight low of 5 degrees, though conditions will feel much colder due to wind chill. Cities south of Cleveland — including Akron and Canton — could dip below 0 degrees on Friday night, the National Weather Service warned.

Cities west of Cleveland will see marginally warmer temperatures, somewhere between 7 and 11 degrees overnight.

Conditions should thaw slightly on Saturday. A high of 27 degrees is predicted, with an overnight low of 19 degrees possible. That's still quite chilly, but could be balmy compared to subzero temperatures.

Extreme cold can threaten a person's health if they're exposed for too long, the National Weather Service said. Frostbite and hypothermia are the most-common and damaging conditions that can develop in subzero temperatures.

"A wind chill of -20° Fahrenheit will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately! If you must wait for help, slowly rewarm affected areas. However, if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities," the National Weather Service said on its website.

Here are the National Weather Service's other tips for staying safe amid possible subzero temperatures:

• Avoid getting wet. Wearing wet or moistened clothing could accelerate how quickly you lose heat from your body.
• Layer. Wear multiple layers of clothes and don gloves, hats and scarves to keep yourself insulated.
• Minimize how much time you spend outdoors, if you can.