LA CROSSE, Wis. – An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect across parts of western Wisconsin, northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota through noon Friday, as dangerously cold Arctic air continues to grip the region, according to the National Weather Service.
Wind chills early Friday dropped to 45 to 50 degrees below zero in some locations, cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes, forecasters said.
After the warning expires at midday, a Cold Weather Advisory will remain in effect into early Saturday, with wind chills still expected to fall as low as 34 below zero overnight.
Counties under the warning include La Crosse, Monroe, Vernon, Crawford, Grant, Jackson, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Clark and Taylor in Wisconsin; Floyd, Mitchell, Chickasaw, Howard, Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette and Winneshiek in Iowa; and Wabasha, Winona, Olmsted, Mower, Fillmore, Dodge and Houston in Minnesota.
Cities affected include La Crosse, Rochester, Winona, Decorah, Charles City, Cresco, Austin, Sparta, Tomah, Black River Falls, Platteville and Medford, among others.
The National Weather Service urged residents to limit time outdoors, wear layered clothing including hats, gloves and face coverings, and use caution while traveling. Officials also warned that extreme cold increases the risk of vehicle problems and frozen pipes.
Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors, keep pets indoors, and monitor local forecasts for updates as conditions gradually moderate heading into the weekend.
