Arctic Temperatures Settle Into Alleghenies

Snow, strong winds and very low temperatures made for slow travel across the Alleghenies on Thursday.

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About 6-7 inches fell across the region, and now that the worst of the snow is over, the next concern is frigid temperatures and frostbite.

Doctors said it’s extremely important people dress in layers if they must be outside for an extended period of time. The most common areas to get frostbite or frostnip are the fingertips, toes, nose and ears.

Common warning signs include progressive numbness and loss of sensitivity to touch. The affected areas will tingle or burn, and the skin will change color from red, to white and purple if allowed to freeze.

“It can happen quite quickly, especially depending on the temperature and wind chill (and) whether or not a body part is wet or dry,” said Dr. Linnane Batzel, of Altoona Regional Hospital, adding that skin can be damaged within minutes when the weather is very cold.

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At Penn State University in Centre County, blowing snow not only complicated driving, but it also made for a bitterly cold trek across campus.

In Cambria County, blowing snow compounded problems for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation crews, especially on highways like 219 and Route 56. Officials said drivers should allow plenty of time.

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