Southeast Alaska is experiencing a cold snap, which will last from this weekend to early next week. It will bring high winds and record-breaking temperatures.
The Arctic front moved into Juneau Friday morning. Nicole Ferrin, National Weather Service meteorologist, posted the following days on Facebook Live. Expected temperatures of minus 20 degrees Celsius by the end of next week. Monday’s high temperature is only 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
She said that span style=”font weight: 400 Make sure your kids have a coat for the trip to the bus stop.” You know what? A hoodie won’t cut it for your teenager on Monday.
The Yukon’s high pressure system will continue to drive cold and strong winds across the region. There is also the possibility of Taku wind activity in Skagway or downtown Juneau. High wind watches are in effect Friday night through Saturday with winds speeds between 30 and 40 mph and gusts up to 60 mph.
Ferrin stated that they would be closely monitoring the situation over the weekend to determine if warnings are needed.
Winds can cause damage to trees and powerlines and increase the risk for drivers, particularly on the Klondike Highway.
Expect highs in the single digits and negative temperatures all day. It will feel like it is twenty below zero downtown Juneau with windchill.
span style=”font weight: 400 These are the coldest temperatures that I have seen here in 10 years. If your pipes have not frozen before, it might be the first,” Ferrin stated.
Protect your pipes and make sure you have a good plumber.
Joel Mitchell, a Juneau plumber and owner American Home Service, said that homeowners should keep their water flowing to prevent freezing pipes. For the duration of the cold snap, he recommends that homeowners have a cold water tap running in the front and back of their homes.
span style=”font weight: 400 ;”>” Just trickle it right? It doesn’t stop flowing, so it shouldn’t. Mitchell stated that water that stops flowing is an indication of a problem with freezing.
Mitchell recommends that you also insulate your pipes with foam. Mitchell also suggests opening cabinets under bathroom and kitchen sinks to allow warm airflow.
Mitchell advises that if your pipes freeze or split, it is important to turn off your water immediately to stop further flooding.
span style=”font weight: 400 Many people don’t know the location of their main shutoff valve to their home. Mitchell stated that if something freezes and splits, it is important to know where the valve is to shut off water.
Mitchell explained that shutoff valves are usually attached to the main water line, which runs from the ground towards your home. It is often located in the crawlspace or garage.
Boat owners need to make sure their boats are ready for the weekend’s heavy freezing rains.
Resurrection Lutheran Church, the city’s cold-weather emergency shelter, will be open all weekend and provide blankets and cots for anyone in need.
It opens at 10:30 p.m. but will be open from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. for those with lower temperatures. It is located at Glacier Avenue and 10th Street.
Brad Perkins, shelter manager, said that anyone can enter the shelter. We serve them a simple breakfast and dinner, then they go out at 7 o’clock.
The shelter will remain open through Christmas, even after the cold snap passes. Perkins said shelter staff are ready to welcome many patrons over the next few days.
span style=”font weight: 400 ;”>” I expect it to be quite full this week. He said that people need somewhere to stay when it gets really cold.
