I agree that the weather people have really become good at FEAR MONGERING.
We forget what a large and varied country (ies) we live in. I can't imagine living in a home without central heating or R-13 insulation. I don't really notice the cold that much (until the power goes out which is Rare where I live). Winter comes and its cold. Looking out the window its hard to tell if its -3 or -23C. I just DON"T GO OUT, (except to shovel.)
STAY HOME AND SEW.
MaryKatherine