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Cold Snap Creating Dangerous Conditions in the Ohio Valley

WHEELING — The Ohio Valley is starting the week with frigid temperatures, causing frozen pipes for some and life-threatening conditions for others.

Temperatures dipped into the negative numbers overnight Tuesday. That dangerous cold snap will carry into Wednesday but should recede by Thursday and into the weekend, when temperatures in the 20s and 30s are anticipated.

The cities of Wheeling and St. Clairsville have both received several reports from residents of pipes freezing due to the cold weather, but no water main breaks or other complications as of Tuesday afternoon.

Moundsville reported three water main breaks over the weekend and Monday, which crews took care of within hours of being reported.

To prevent frozen pipes, Belmont County city workers suggest that residents leave a faucet partially on to allow water to keep flowing. If the home’s service lines are frozen, there is not much that can be done besides waiting for them to thaw.

St. Clairsville city workers said frozen pipe solutions vary case-by-case. They recommend locating the frozen pipe and contacting a plumber for assistance.

Attempts to place a space heater or use a hair dryer near frozen pipes can be dangerous if you are unsure what else may be in the area of the pipe.

The cold weather has kept students home from school in districts on both sides of the Ohio River. Several Ohio school districts canceled both Tuesday and today at the same time. Ohio County will operate on its fourth remote learning day. The district has five remote learning days available before they must add days back to the school calendar for cancellations.

For some communities, like the unhoused population living outside or in tents, low temperatures can be deadly.

Several shelters in Wheeling are offering extended hours to help keep people out of the severe cold.

The Salvation Army is continuing to offer its winter freeze shelter during daytime hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Northwood Health System’s shelter will also be open during the day for the cold snap.

The Life Hub shelter downtown has been opening earlier and earlier in recent weeks to accommodate those who need to seek shelter from the cold. Now, they are open from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.

The shelter has 50 beds available and the shelter has been easily filling all of them in recent days, according to Director John Moses.

There were around 15 individuals staying at Wheeling’s homeless encampment through the cold weather Monday and Tuesday. A volunteer dropped off a load of dry firewood for them on Tuesday.

Dr. William Mercer, who makes regular rounds at the camp with volunteer group Project HOPE, said there have not yet been any deaths related to the weather. One individual is suffering from a case of frostbite and is being treated.

Last week, the encampment’s water supply system provided by the city froze. It is reportedly working again this week. Local volunteers have also been providing bottled water to those staying at the camp.

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