By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
MEREDITH – Despite warnings that the frigid weather is not safe for extended exposure today into Saturday, outdoor activities in the state are going forward in some cases and have been canceled in others as the National Weather Forecast has issued a wind chill warning from 10 a.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday. (See full NWF below)
Temperatures were expected to begin warming later Saturday and return to more seasonable temperatures on Sunday.
People experiencing homelessness in the bitter cold were told Friday at a news conference to call 2-1-1 for information about shelters and warming stations.
One event which has not been canceled is the New England Pond Hockey Classic in Meredith.
The puck dropped on the first round Friday morning and is expected to run through Sunday with details here https://www.pondhockeyclassic.com/newengland
Organizers have posted a notice that players should not play with any exposed skin, need to wear dry layers of wool, and asks them to keep an eye on each other for signs of frostbite.
Emergency services will be available at the event, which has been relocated from Meredith Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee to Lake Waukewan because of a lack of ice on the Big Lake.
Ski areas have modified their plans for Friday primarily but some have plans to be open both Friday and Saturday including Loon in Lincoln, Waterville Valley, Gunstock in Gilford, Dartmouth Skiway in Lyme, and Ragged Mountain in Danbury.
Cannon in Franconia is closed Friday and will be open on Saturday but with no lift access available to the summit.
Pats Peak in Henniker has canceled night skiing for Friday night. All school groups had canceled for the day Friday, but normal operations are set to resume on Saturday.
Bretton Woods canceled its treetop zipline tours for both Friday and Saturday.
Jackson Ski Touring Foundation has moved all its youth programs from Saturday to Sunday when the weather is expected to return to more normal conditions.
Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway will close its tubing and Mountain Adventure Park Friday evening. There will be no night skiing on Saturday but during the day Saturday, lifts will be open.
Great Glen Trails in Pinkham Notch will be closing tubing operations Friday and Saturday and its cross-country ski operations are to be determined.
McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester is closed on Friday but plans to open at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Whaleback plans to be closed on Friday but is considering opening at noon on Saturday pending wind and temperatures.
The National Weather Center’s WIND CHILL WARNING in New Hampshire remains in effect from 10 a.m. Friday through 1 p.m. Saturday.
* WHAT…Dangerously cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low
as 40 below zero.
* WHERE…Portions of south central, southwest, and western Maine.
Portions of central, northern, and southern New Hampshire.
* WHEN…From 10 AM this morning to 1 p.m. EST Saturday.
* IMPACTS…Frostbite and hypothermia are likely if precautions are
not taken. Wind chill values may fall to extremely dangerous
levels. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on
exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
Persons are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you
must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will
keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to
reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf, and a
hat will keep you from losing your body heat.
Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure
portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills
inside.