It may finally start to feel like winter by the weekend.

On the heels of alerts also issued by the American Red Cross and Governor Malloy's Office Wednesday afternoon, the Town of Newtown issued its first Severe Cold Weather Alert for the season. Extremely cold temperatures are being predicted for December 15-17. There is no snow currently being forecast for New England by the National Weather Service, but temperatures and winds could be a factor for the next few days.

Temperatures for Newtown are predicted to be no higher than 24 degrees on Thursday, December 15, according to NWS on Wednesday afternoon. Isolated snow showers and blustery winds are so possible, a Wind Advisory for 9 am to 6 pm Thursday has been issued. Increasing winds during the 12-hour period of 6 pm Thursday to 6 am Friday has led NWS to issue a High Wind Watch for that period.

On Thursday morning, however, the weather service updated that watch, changing it to a High Wind Warning. Northwest winds of 20-30 miles per hour, with gusts up to 60 mph, are now expected.

The weather service is advising that "damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Traffic will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles."

Friday is expected to be cold, with a high of 19 degrees. Friday night will have a low of 14 degrees, with an increasing chance of snow as the overnight continues.

The weekend will open with a wintry mix on Saturday, and a high of 40 degrees during the day, also according to the weather service. Rain is likely (60 percent) by Saturday night and into Sunday, with temperatures for the second half of the weekend reaching 48 degrees.

The "highest wind potential," according to NWS, is for Thursday night. Trees and power lines may be vulnerable, and "widespread power outages are possible," also according to the weather society.

Ahead of those cold pre- and early weekend temperatures, First Selectman Pat Llodra and the town's Emergency Management Office on Wednesday issued a press release encouraging residents to take care of themselves, their pets, and their neighbors.

"We ask that you please check on any elderly or frail neighbors to be certain they are doing OK in this weather," the town's statement included.

Residents can find relief from cold weather daily at C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street (call 203-426-4533 or visit chboothlibrary.org for hours).

Edmond Town Hall, at 45 Main Street, "has several movies and activities this weekend," according to Wednesday's press release. Visit The Bee's dedicated Edmond Town Hall page for the schedule.

In addition, Newtown Municipal Center, at 3 Primrose Street (call 203-270-4201), and Newtown Senior Center, 14 Riverside Road (203-270-4310), are open weekdays.

Important phone numbers, also according to the town, to keep handy include:

*For any life safety emergency, call 911;

*For power outages, call 800-286-2000;

*Connecticut's free information and referral service, 211 (or visit 211ct.org);

*Newtown Emergency Management/Office of the Fire Marshal, 203-270-4370; and

*Newtown Health District, 203-270-4291.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for the town's CodeRED system, which will issue alerts to residential, business, and cellphone numbers that are registered. Visit newtown-ct.gov and scroll down to the CodeRED logo on the lower left of that page.

The town also uses Smart 911, a system that will provide emergency information to dispatchers and first responders, about those who register for that program. Details and registration are also available on the town website, just below the CodeRED information.

In addition, residents can check the News & Announcements section of the town website. Posts are found near the center of the website's home page.

State Preparing

Governor Dannel P. Malloy on Wednesday announced that he was activating the state's Severe Cold Weather Protocol, due to the advancing temperatures and winds, beginning the evening of December 15. The protocol will remain in effect until the morning of Saturday, December 17.

"As we experience our first bitterly cold weather of the winter season, I am activating our severe cold weather protocol to initiate essential services that will help protect our most vulnerable," Gov Malloy said Wednesday afternoon. "Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 211 to find the nearest available locations. I am also encouraging local communities to consider opening warming centers or other facilities to assist people in need."

A regularly updated list of open shelters and warming centers across the state will be made available at 211ct.org, the governor's office said Wednesday.

Red Cross Safety Tips

The American Red Cross has steps that can help people stay safe any time hazardous weather arrives.

"We want to remind everyone of important safety tips that can help you stay safe and warm during this cold snap," Mario Bruno, CEO, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region said via press release issued December 14.

Ten ways to stay safe during cold temperatures, according to the American Red Cross, are:

*Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm, including gloves and a hat to help prevent losing body heat.

*Know the signs of hypothermia (confusion, dizziness, exhaustion, and severe shivering), and seek immediate medical attention for anyone showing these symptoms.

*Watch for symptoms of frostbite (numbness; flushed gray, white, blue, or yellow skin discoloration; numbness, or waxy feeling skin).

*Bring pets indoors. If that is not possible, make sure they have shelter to stay warm and plenty of unfrozen water.

*Avoid frozen pipes (run water, even at a trickle, to prevent them from freezing; keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night to also avoid pipes freezing);

*Do not use a stove or oven to heat a home or other interior spaces.

*Space heaters should be on a level, hard surface, and anything flammable should be kept at least three feet away.

*If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal firescreen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

*Turn space heaters off and make sure fireplace embers are fully out before leaving a room or going to bed.

Information on treating cold weather related emergencies is available through the free Red Cross First Aid app at redcross.org/apps. Additional information about winter safety is available at redcross.org.