Arctic Blast Sparks Frostbite Warning as Temperature May Drop to -40

An arctic blast is expected to strike parts of the Northern Great Plains over the next several days, sparking a National Weather Service (NWS) warning about the potential for frostbite in one state.

Thanksgiving week brought cold temperatures to much of the United States, with areas including the Midwest, parts of the South and New York receiving cold weather and snow amid one of the most highly traveled weeks of the year as winter inches closer.

Forecasters warned that an arctic blast will bring icy weather to the Dakotas and Minnesota. The warning goes into effect Friday and is expected to continue next week. The blast will bring the coldest temperatures the region has seen since February, says the NWS.

The blast is expected to peak Saturday morning, when temperatures will be below zero for areas across several states, according to the warning.

North Dakota will experience among the coldest temperatures, and forecasters warned people to be prepared for the potential of frostbite.

“Wind chills across much of the Dakotas and Minnesota will be below negative 15ºF with portions of North Dakota as cold as negative 30-40ºF,” the warning reads. “This poses an increased risk of hypothermia, and frostbite on exposed skin. Have a winter survival kit if you travel.”

Newsweek reached out to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services for comment via email.

NWS recommends that people traveling in winter weather carry several items in a survival kit: a cellphone charger, first aid kit, jumper cables, tire chains, flares, a full tank of gas, a bag of sand or cat litter, a shovel or ice scraper, tow rope, blanket, winter clothes, flashlight, water and food.

Elsewhere, NWS warned that the Great Lakes region, ranging from Cleveland, Ohio, to Buffalo, New York, and areas north of Syracuse, New York, are at risk of “extreme” storm severity through Monday. Parts of northern Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula, may also see “major” winter storms.

Travel disruptions are “likely” in affected areas, according to NWS.

What Is Frostbite?

Frostbite is a “type of injury caused by freezing,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas and can cause permanent body damage. In the most severe cases, it can even lead to amputation.

The CDC urges people to dress properly when going outside in cold weather, including wearing a hat, scarf, water-resistant coat and boots, gloves and several layers of loose-fitting clothing.

Frostbite most commonly affects the nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin and fingers. Anyone experiencing frostbite is urged to seek medical attention as soon as possible, remove any wet clothing, go inside and warm up.