QUAD CITIES, IA – An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect across portions of eastern Iowa, northwest and north-central Illinois, and northeast Missouri through noon Friday, with dangerously low wind chills posing a serious risk to anyone outdoors, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said wind chills early Friday ranged from 30 to 45 degrees below zero, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Conditions are expected to gradually improve Friday afternoon, but a Cold Weather Advisory will remain in effect from noon Friday through noon Saturday, with wind chills still dropping as low as 20 to 25 below zero.
The warning and advisory cover a wide area including Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Dubuque, Burlington, Clinton, Sterling, Galesburg, Fort Madison, Macomb, Monmouth, and Fairfield, along with surrounding communities.
The National Weather Service urged residents to limit time outdoors, wear multiple layers including hats, gloves and face coverings, and keep pets indoors. Officials also warned of frozen pipes, advising residents to insulate plumbing or allow faucets to drip slowly.
Drivers are encouraged to use caution due to the risk of vehicle failures in extreme cold. Residents were also advised to check on elderly neighbors and to use space heaters safely, avoiding generators or grills indoors.
Updated forecasts and safety information are available at weather.gov/dvn.
