If there was no coop, or one that was poorly constructed then this would be bad in a cold area. Many breeds can withstand very cold temps, but not sideways blowing snow, unless they have a draft free coop to be inside. Assuming if they have chickens already they have a coop or area for them to...
How cold is it where you are? Do you already have chickens and/ or a coop?
Mine are 4 weeks. They were inside for 2 weeks and are now in a larger, covered brooder in the garage. 2 weeks indoors was really pushing it for us with 17 chicks. We have to build a coop, but if we had a coop...