Arctic Blast Brings Dangerous Cold And Power Outages

As winter tightens its grip across the Northeastern United States, a sprawling and dangerous cold snap is threatening millions with bitter wind chills, hazardous travel, and widespread power outages. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a series of extreme cold warnings and advisories stretching from the mountains of North Carolina to the shores of New Jersey and deep into upstate New York, as well as the Finger Lakes and Central New York regions. For those living in these areas, the weekend of February 7-8, 2026, is shaping up to be one of the harshest winter periods in recent memory.

According to the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC, a cold weather advisory was issued at 12:56 a.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, for Yancey and Mitchell counties in North Carolina. The advisory, which runs from 1 a.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. Sunday, warns of northwest winds between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts reaching 55 to 60 mph—and, astonishingly, up to 75 mph on the highest ridgetops. Temperatures above 3,500 feet are forecast to feel as cold as 15 degrees below zero, and possibly even lower on the most exposed peaks. The NWS cautions that these damaging winds will likely bring down trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages. "Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken," the NWS stated. Residents are urged to avoid being outside near trees, remain in the lower levels of their homes during the windstorm, and dress appropriately with hats and gloves if venturing outdoors.

Farther north, winter is turning even more dangerous. As reported by FingerLakes1.com, widespread snow is sweeping through the Finger Lakes and Central New York on Friday, followed by a sharp arctic blast. What began as an Extreme Cold Watch has been upgraded to Extreme Cold Warnings for many counties, including Cayuga, Ontario, Seneca, Schuyler, Yates, and Onondaga. Snowfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected through Friday night, with higher amounts up to 7 inches possible along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Winds are set to increase late Friday, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph causing blowing and drifting snow, especially during the evening commute and overnight. The real danger, however, arrives as temperatures plummet behind the arctic front—dropping from the upper teens and lower 20s to near zero by daybreak Saturday. Wind chills are forecast to range from 15 below to an astonishing 35 below zero, with highs on Saturday barely reaching the single digits and lows Saturday night dipping as low as 15 below in some spots.

Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly. Officials warn that hazardous travel is likely during the Friday evening commute and along rural roads where snow can drift. Residents are advised to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and keep pets inside. The NWS highlights the risk: "At wind chills of 25 to 30 below zero, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 15 to 30 minutes." The coldest air will shift east later Sunday, with temperatures expected to moderate by midweek, but not before delivering a punishing blow to the region.

In New Jersey, the NWS issued an Extreme Cold Warning at 1:34 a.m. on Friday for Salem, Ocean, Cumberland, Atlantic, Cape May, and Burlington counties. The warning, effective from 3 p.m. Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday, forecasts wind chills as low as 14 degrees below zero. Damaging winds are expected to topple trees and power lines, once again raising the specter of widespread power outages and difficult travel, particularly for high profile vehicles. The NWS advises, "Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside." Hypothermia is a real risk if precautions are not taken, especially for those without adequate shelter or clothing.

Up in New York’s North Country, the situation is even more severe. The NWS released an extreme cold warning at 12:19 a.m. Friday for St. Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton, and Essex counties, effective from 7 a.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. Sunday. Here, wind chills are expected to plunge to between 25 and 40 degrees below zero. The NWS warns, "The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures." Residents are urged to stay indoors, dress in several layers, and keep pets inside as much as possible. The advice is clear: multiple thin layers provide better insulation than a single heavy coat, and covering exposed skin is vital to prevent rapid heat loss.

The Binghamton region is also bracing for a punishing weekend. As detailed by WBNG, an Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from Saturday morning through 1 p.m. Sunday. Friday will see increasing clouds and a chance of snow late, with highs between 22 and 28 degrees Fahrenheit. By Friday night, snow showers and wind gusts up to 40 mph will send lows plummeting to between -5 and 2 degrees. The cold front will pass between 8 and 11 p.m., triggering snow squalls and a rapid temperature drop. Saturday and Sunday are both designated as First Alert Weather Days, with wind chills of 20 to 30 below zero and isolated areas in the Catskills potentially experiencing even colder values. Winds will remain strong, with gusts over 40 mph, and power outages are possible. Temperatures on both days will struggle to rise above single digits, and by Sunday morning, wind chills could still be near 30 below before conditions gradually improve. The forecast predicts a slow warming trend starting Monday, but the weekend’s cold will be a test for even the hardiest residents.

Throughout the region, the NWS has provided detailed explanations of cold weather alerts to help residents understand the risks. A cold weather advisory means to be aware—seasonably cold air or wind chills are expected, but not extreme. An extreme cold warning, however, signals a clear and present danger: action must be taken to avoid exposure. In these conditions, even brief outdoor activities can be life-threatening. The NWS recommends that if you must go outside, dress in layers, cover all exposed skin, and let someone know your whereabouts. Check on elderly neighbors, keep pets indoors, and prepare for possible power outages by ensuring you have adequate supplies and a winter survival kit in your vehicle.

With the worst of the cold expected to ease by early next week, communities across the Northeast are bracing for a challenging weekend. For now, the message from meteorologists and officials alike is simple: stay indoors, stay warm, and stay safe. This arctic blast may be brief, but its dangers are very real.