Wind Advisory, Wind Chill Advisory in Effect in Ocean City This Weekend

Ocean City, NJ -- A Wind Advisory and a Wind Chill Advisory are in effect for Ocean City this weekend, the National Weather Service announced Friday afternoon.

The Wind Advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. Saturday. The forecast calls for sustained wind of 20 to 30 mph and gusts as high as 55 mph. The Wind Chill Advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday through 9 a.m. Sunday. Wind chill values could dip as low as 10 to 18 degrees below zero, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service advises frozen pipes may be a significant problem, and that dead car batteries may leave people stranded.

Any fuel or power outages that occur could leave people without heat. Secondary sources of heat could increase chances for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and there could be a greater risk for structure fires.

City officials provided the following advice for protecting pipes from freezing:

• Heat your home: Experts say that in the coldest weather, 55 degrees in unoccupied houses is not enough. Temperatures should be brought up to at least 65 degrees..
• Let heat reach pipes: Open cabinet doors or find other ways to vent heat toward pipes, particularly the ones that run along exterior walls.
• Leave water running: For pipes that run along exterior walls leave water running. Even a stream the width of a pencil point can help prevent pipes from freezing solid.
• Seal crawlspaces: Close access doors tight to the area underneath homes. Temporarily insulate flood vents to keep air and wind from entering.
• Winterize your home: Drain exterior pipes to outside showers and consider having a professional drain other pipes if you don’t plan to visit during the winter.
• Remote-controlled thermostats: In homes with working wi-fi, new thermostat technology allows owners to regulate heat from remote locations.

They also issued the following general advice:

• Please check on your older neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure they have the resources they need to stay safe and healthy until conditions return to normal
• Second home owners, make sure the temperature setting your home is set above 55 degrees
• Check on neighboring homes for frozen pipes
• Stay indoors and off the roads as much as possible
• Report any loss of heat or hot water immediately
• If your home lacks heat, get to a warm place tonight if you can and wear extra layers of dry, loose-fitting clothing, hats and gloves to help stay warm
• Never use a gas stove to heat your home
• If a carbon monoxide detector goes off in your home, call 911, quickly open a nearby window, and go outside for fresh air immediately
• When outdoors, wear warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Use multiple layers to maintain warmth
• Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls from icy conditions
• Keep pets indoors and warm. Don’t leave dogs or cats outdoors when the temperature drops.

Anyone who suspects an emergency should call 911.

For non-emergencies, call 609-399-9111 or 609-399-6111.