Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Sunday issued a State of Disaster Emergency due to wind chill warnings and stress on utility and natural gas providers.
The declaration authorized the use of state resources and personnel to assist with response and recovery operations in affected counties that meet certain criteria. Because of the extreme cold which causes an increased energy demand and natural gas supply constraints, utilities are currently experiencing wholesale natural gas prices anywhere from 10 to 100 times higher than normal.
To help manage spikes in your energy bill, it’s advised to when possible wear additional layers and consider turning down your thermostat and check your programmable settings. Seal any leaks around doors and windows, reduce the temperature on your water heater, close any blinds or curtains and change or clean filters on your furnace.
It’s also recommended you hold off on doing laundry and dishes when possible as both use natural gas to heat the water and your dryer. Installing foam gaskets on electrical switches and outlets can also account for up to 10 percent of your home’s energy loss.
Frigid temperatures will remain with us for the better part of the work week before a weekend warmup.
A Wind Chill Warning remains in effect until noon Tuesday for dangerously bitter cold wind chills ranging from 25 to 35 below zero. The National Weather Service says with wind chills that low, frostbite can set in within minutes. If you go outside you should make sure you have plenty of layers and no exposed skin.
It has prompted some school closings including USD 383 Manhattan/Ogden. Many area schools were already closed due to the Presidents Day holiday. K-State remained open Monday.
Temperatures will struggle to get above 20 degrees until at least Wednesday. Temperatures should rebound to more seasonal temperatures in the 30s and 40s by Friday and Saturday.
