Berks County is under an Extreme Cold Warning and a Wind Advisory beginning Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey.
The Wind Advisory is in effect from 4 a.m. Saturday through midnight Saturday night. Forecasters expect northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph possible.
The Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect from 6 a.m. Saturday through noon Sunday, with “dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 degrees below zero” expected across the region.
The alerts also cover Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania, along with Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties in New Jersey. Reading is specifically listed among the affected cities.
The combination of bitter cold and strong winds could create hazardous conditions across Berks County.
According to the NWS, gusty winds “will blow around unsecured objects,” and tree limbs could be blown down, potentially leading to scattered power outages. The agency also warned that wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
“High winds potentially leading to power outages combined with extremely cold conditions could be very dangerous,” the alert states.
The Weather Service advises motorists to use extra caution Saturday, particularly those driving high-profile vehicles such as vans, trucks, and trailers, which are more susceptible to strong crosswinds.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor objects that could be blown around by the wind.
Anyone who must go outside is encouraged to dress in multiple layers and cover exposed skin, including wearing a hat, face mask, and gloves.
For those without heat or adequate shelter, the alert notes that people can call 211 to be connected with local cold-weather resources.
