Quad Cities, IA/IL – Residents in eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois are under multiple cold weather alerts as temperatures plunge, creating dangerous conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m. CST Monday, with wind chills as low as -25°F. A second Cold Weather Advisory will take effect from 6 p.m. to midnight tonight, followed by an Extreme Cold Warning lasting until 9 a.m. CST Tuesday. Wind chills during the warning period could drop to a life-threatening -31°F.
The affected areas include cities such as Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Clinton, and Galena. Frostbite may occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes under these conditions, increasing the risk of hypothermia.
Residents are urged to stay indoors as much as possible. If outdoor travel is necessary, dress in layers, including hats, gloves, and face masks. Keep pets indoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members. Portable heaters should be used with caution, and generators or grills should never be operated indoors.
The extreme cold could also disrupt travel and daily activities. Temperatures are expected to improve slightly after Tuesday morning. For updated alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.