MINNEAPOLIS — An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect across much of central, southern and eastern Minnesota and portions of western Wisconsin through noon CST Friday, as dangerously cold wind chills persist, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said wind chills early Friday dropped to 45 degrees below zero, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. After the warning expires at midday, a Cold Weather Advisory will remain in effect through midnight Friday, with wind chills still expected to reach 35 below zero.
The alert covers a broad area including the Twin Cities metro, as well as Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, St. Cloud, Willmar, Hutchinson, Mankato, Rochester, Red Wing, Albert Lea and Owatonna. Portions of west-central Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, Hudson, River Falls, Menomonie and Chippewa Falls, are also affected.
The National Weather Service urged residents to limit time outdoors, dress in multiple layers including hats, gloves and face coverings, and keep pets indoors. Drivers are advised to use caution due to the increased risk of vehicle problems in extreme cold.
Officials also encouraged residents to check on elderly neighbors and family members and to use space heaters safely, warning against using grills or generators indoors due to carbon monoxide risks.
Temperatures are expected to slowly moderate heading into the weekend, though cold conditions will persist.
