Extreme cold enters region with arctic temperatures, many schools cancel class

Polar vortex to bring wind chills as cold as -20 degrees.

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Photo Credit: (MGN Online)

Gage Goulding, News Editor

MOON TOWNSHIP – A strong winter weather system known as a polar vortex is sweeping across the country, sending temperatures in many cities plummeting to sub-arctic levels.

Schools and universities across the region have canceled classes on Wednesday in preparation for what could be one of the coldest days of the winter season. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures across western Pennsylvania will fall to a low of -1 degree on Wednesday.

Wind chills across the region will fall to an even colder -20 degrees. Officials at the National Weather Service say that hypothermia and frostbite are a major concern.

Schools that have canceled classes altogether on Wednesday include:

  • Avonworth School District
  • California University of Pennsylvania (Jan. 30-31)
  • Community College of Allegheny County
  • Duquesne Univerity
  • Moon Area School District
  • Montour School District
  • Pittsburgh Public Schools
  • Point Park University
  • Quaker Valley School District
  • Robert Morris University
  • Sewickley Academy
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • West Allegheny School District

Officials encourage residents to bring pets inside during the extreme cold. In a statement from Allegheny County, experts say to bring cats and dogs inside during the arctic freeze. Livestock should be moved to a sheltered area with non-frozen water and extra food.

This story is developing, stat with RMU Sentry Media for the latest updates.