A 40 Day Freeze: Montco Extends Code Blue Once Again

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County officials have once again extended the Code Blue cold weather emergency, as the declaration will be in place for at least 40 days.

The Code Blue was originally called on Jan. 14. Officials announced on Friday it had been extended to Monday, Feb. 24 at 9 a.m., as the region sees one of its more prolonged periods of serious cold and winter weather in recent years.

Code Blues are declared when the wind chill or temperatures dip below 32 degrees and "pose a threat of serious harm or death to individuals without shelter."

Code Blue declarations allow the county to marshal additional resources for the region to help those who need shelter and other assistance.

If you need emergency shelter, call the Your Way Home Call Center at 610-278-3522.

The county offers the following tips to residents:

• Check on elderly friends and neighbors frequently to ensure that their homes are adequately heated
• If you see someone in need of immediate emergency assistance, call or text 911
• Make sure your car is winterized with antifreeze, a full tank of gas, properly inflated tires, and is stocked with an emergency kit
• Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• Wear appropriate clothing and avoid prolonged exposure when going outdoors in winter weather
• Limit the time your pets spend outdoors during extreme temperatures
• Report power outages directly to your utility company, do not call 911

Here's the full forecast through next week, according to the National Weather Service:

Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. Breezy, with a northwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 17. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Monday
Partly sunny, with a high near 50.

Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Tuesday
A chance of showers after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.