Council Bluffs, Iowa – Dangerous cold will grip parts of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa early Monday as wind chills plunge well below zero, creating conditions that could cause frostbite in under 30 minutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Monday across portions of southwest and west-central Iowa and east-central and northeast Nebraska.
Forecasters say wind chills could drop to around 20 to 22 degrees below zero across communities including Council Bluffs, Fremont, Blair, Norfolk, Red Oak, and Onawa.
The extreme cold arrives after a powerful windstorm moved through the region overnight. While the High Wind Warning expired around 1 a.m., lingering winds will continue to drive temperatures lower during the early morning hours.
Residents traveling before sunrise should be prepared for dangerously cold conditions, particularly in exposed areas where wind speeds remain elevated.
Officials warn that frostbite can develop in as little as 30 minutes when wind chills fall below zero. Anyone heading outdoors should wear multiple layers, hats, gloves, and face protection.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve after late Monday morning as winds weaken and temperatures slowly climb.
