Bracing for the Big Chill: How to Survive the Deep Freeze in Tennessee

Tennessee is about to get a visit from a polar vortex, bringing some seriously cold air. This isn't just a little cold snap; we're talking temperatures dropping into the teens and 20s overnight. That's the kind of cold that can cause frostbite in minutes, so it's important to bundle up properly. First, let's talk about what a polar vortex even is. It's a big area of low pressure and cold air around the Earth's poles. Normally, it keeps the cold air up north, but sometimes it expands and sends that frigid air southward. That's what's happening now, and it's not just Tennessee that's feeling it. The central and eastern United States are also getting a blast of this Arctic air. So, how do you stay warm in this kind of cold? Layering is key. Wear plenty of thin layers instead of one thick one. And don't forget the accessories: a coat, hat, gloves, and warm shoes or boots. Cover your face with a scarf or face mask. And when it comes to materials, wool and fleecy synthetics are your friends. Cotton is only good if it stays dry. At night, thermal underwear and bed socks can help keep you warm. And if you're going to be outside, be aware of the wind chill. That's the real danger. When wind chills drop below zero, frostbite and other cold-weather illnesses can happen in just minutes. Speaking of illnesses, hypothermia and frostbite are the main concerns in this kind of weather. Hypothermia can happen in about 10 minutes in sub-30-degree weather if you're not dressed properly with exposed skin. Frostbite can set in in about 30 minutes under the same conditions. If someone is showing signs of hypothermia, like shivering, fatigue, confusion, or loss of consciousness, get them to a warm room, remove wet clothing, and warm them up with an electric blanket or skin-to-skin contact. Frostbite symptoms include numbness, tingling, aching, and bluish or pale, waxy skin. To treat frostbite, get into a warm room as soon as possible and immerse the affected area in warm water. This is the second round of cold air moving through the Eastern part of the country, and there's more to come. So, stay warm, stay safe, and be prepared.