La Crosse, WI – The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warningfor parts of Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, with wind chills expected to plunge as low as 40 below zero from 9 p.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, the affected areas include Winneshiek, Allamakee, Fayette, Clayton, Wabasha, Winona, Houston, Taylor, Clark, Buffalo, Trempealeau, and Jackson counties, among others. A separate Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 9 p.m. Monday for portions of southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa, where wind chills could reach 35 below before the more dangerous conditions set in.
The extreme cold poses a significant risk of frostbite on exposed skin within 10 minutes. Officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple warm layers, and cover exposed skin with hats, gloves, and face masks.
Travelers should take extra precautions, as road conditions may be hazardous, and vehicle breakdowns in such cold temperatures can be life-threatening.
Temperatures are expected to moderate by Tuesday afternoon, but residents should remain prepared for bitterly cold conditions through the morning.
