As extreme cold hits the midwest, residents are advised to protect water lines from freezing temperatures. Key tips include insulating pipes, letting faucets drip lightly, and keeping indoor areas warm by opening cabinet doors and keeping garage doors shut. Additionally, maintaining a consistent thermostat temperature can prevent pipes from freezing, which is more likely to occur after 4-6 hours of sub-20°F weather. While not common, frozen pipes can burst and cause extensive damage to your home. These tips are more for older and less insulated homes. Plumbers say to keep an eye on water lines by an exterior wall and dribble the faucet that is farthest from the water heater.
According to the National Weather Service, dangerous wind chills are expected after midnight tonight through Monday morning. Wind chills between -15 and -25 degrees may occur early Monday. Even colder wind chills are expected tomorrow night into Tuesday, with some wind chills near -35 degrees!