Frigid temperatures, strong winds envelop region

Dangerously-cold temperatures and strong winds are greeting residents this morning, and are expected to envelop the region most of the day Sunday.

Driving conditions are expected to be dangerous Sunday morning, as blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility on the roads. SEPTA is warning commuters to use caution when traveling due to icy conditions on roads, sidewalks and parking lots.

Meteorologist Mike Gorse, of the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, N.J., said temperatures Sunday would likely be in the teens, but wind gusts exceeding 50 miles per hour would make it feel more like 10 to 15 degrees below zero.

A winter weather advisory is in effect until 11 a.m. Sunday, while a high wind watch remains in effect until 2 p.m., with winds coming from the northwest at 30 to 40 mph. Scattered gusts could top 55 mph, and the strongest winds are expected by 12 p.m.

John Bolaris warns that wind chills could make the temperature feel 10-20 degrees below zero. The wind chill values could remain below zero until Monday, with a wind chill advisory in effect until 11 a.m. The temperature Sunday night could drop as low as 1 degree, which would break a record set back in 1888.

"The winds will gradually taper down later this afternoon into evening," said Jim Bunker, observing program leader with the National Weather Service. "But it's going to remain brutally cold, and residents need to make sure they're bundled up if they plan on going out."

The Philadelphia Streets Department is warning travelers to use caution if they must travel Sunday:

As of Sunday morning, Peco spokesperson Liz Williamson said the utility was only experiencing scattered outages across the region. Extra crews are in place should the wind create problems throughout the day, and customers experiencing an outage are encouraged to call 1-800-841-4141.