LIFE THREATENING WIND CHILLS for Bismarck According to The NWS

The National Weather Service in Bismarck has been using the term LIFE THREATENING to describe the effects of the arctic clipper that is effecting the entire state. It is highly unusual for the NWS to use such a term, so when it is uses it describe the severity of this condition, it seems to get out attention.

The BLIZZARD WARNING did not amount to much as of the publishing time of this article due to the fact that the system was not to be a huge snow event, so the only snow that can get blown around in the wind is the snow already on the ground that is not frozen.

The area is under the influence of a WIND CHILL WARNING through Monday with wind chill values effecting the area of MINUS 60 degrees. It is with this warning that the NWS uses the term LIFE THREATENING. Several items of importance according to the NWS statement;

FROSTBITE CAN OCCUR IN 5 MINUTES OR LESS WITH THESE WIND CHILLS. AVOID OUTDOOR ACTIVITY. IF TRAVELING, BE READY FOR THE CHALLENGES YOU COULD FACE IF STRANDED. BE SURE YOUR VEHICLE HAS PLENTY OF GAS AND DRESS FOR THE OUTSIDE WEATHER, NOT THE INSIDE TEMPERATURE. PRECAUTIONS SHOULD ALSO BE TAKEN TO PROTECT PETS AND LIVESTOCK.  PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WIND CHILL WARNING MEANS THE COMBINATION OF WIND AND VERY COLD AIR WILL CREATE DANGEROUSLY LOW WIND CHILL VALUES. THIS WILL RESULT IN FROST BITE AND LEAD TO HYPOTHERMIA OR DEATH IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN. (NWS)