Restonians are gearing up for frigid temperatures forecast for Tuesday, Jan. 7.

According to the Weather Channel Online, it will be seven degrees at 7 a.m. in Reston, just as Seahawks and other Restonians embark on their daily commutes. The wind chill will be -12 degrees.

The sudden drop from a high temperature of 38 degrees to 15 degrees in one night is due to a “polar vortex,” which creates a counterclockwise rotation of cold air from the Arctic region. The vortex will push as far south as the Gulf Coast.

With these forecasts, many Seahawks anticipate that Fairfax County will delay or close tomorrow due to the weather and the possible hazards that are associated with it, including black ice on roads.

“I think we will have a delay tomorrow,” senior Greg Mayo said. “I’m not looking forward to driving in the ice. My older brother recently got into an accident due to ice.”

While drivers must remain on the lookout for ice, other Seahawks will draw on prior experiences to dress warmly for the cold weather.

“Last winter, I traveled to Vermont and went skiing with my family and some family friends,” senior Emma Evans said. “The temperature was below zero the entire trip, and there was snow everywhere. I had to wear boots, a sweater, sweatshirt, coat, and hat to stay warm.”

Experts advise that people who do have to confront the cold bundle up. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that individuals limit the amount of time they spend in the brutal weather and wear multiple layers, rather than opting for one giant layer.

Some Seahawks experienced the cold atmosphere of Reston, including the “snowpacalypse” that plagued the area a few ago.

“Three years ago, after a snowstorm, I had to shovel two feet of snow from the driveway,” junior Sahana Arkalgud said. “It was really cold and I was wearing five layers, but the wind chill made it way worse.”

Even with the real life experience, no amount of preparation can combat the chill of returning to school after a 16-day winter break today.

“Going back to school after winter break is so difficult,” senior Kelly Karn said. “My heart has never felt colder.”

–Update–

FCPS closed school Tuesday, Jan. 7 due to low temperatures and wind chill.

–Update —

FCPS announced a two-hour delayed opening for Jan. 8. School Board member Ryan McElveen stated over Twitter that the rationale for the delay is to “address potential problems starting and repairing buses, which will require extra time.”