Dangerous and life-threatening cold are setting in the next few days in Central Illinois. Here’s the warning from the National Weather Service:

...WIND CHILL WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM TUESDAY TO NOON CST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Dangerously cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as
  low as 30 to 40 below zero expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central and west central
  Illinois.

* WHEN...From 9 PM Tuesday to noon CST Thursday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The dangerously cold wind chills could
  cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Wind Chill Warning means the combination of very cold air and
the wind will create dangerously low wind chill values. Frostbite
can occur quickly and even hypothermia or death if precautions
are not taken.

An intense Arctic air mass, the likes of which aren’t seen too often around here, will impact central Illinois Tuesday through Thursday. During this time, wind chills may exceed 40 below zero in some areas near and north of I-74, and actual low temperatures in the teens below zero will be widespread near and north of I-72.

Given that frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes in these conditions, it would be best to stay inside as much as possible.

More info on how to stay safe in the cold can be found HERE.

If you need to find a warming center, the State of Illinois has provided a list of those centers that are available throughout the state. See the list HERE.

Here’s some tips for driving in the bitter cold from our friends at the Illinois State Police:

And remember, if it’s cold for you, it’s also cold for your animals. Please, if possible, bring pets inside. Here are some tips for keeping your animals safe from FEMA.

Stay safe!