Monroe County is under multiple cold weather alerts for Monday, the National Weather Service announced Sunday afternoon.
The NWS announced an extreme cold advisory from midnight to 7 p.m. Monday followed by an extreme cold warning until 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Extreme cold warnings are issued when outside conditions are expected to be dangerously cold, with potential for frostbite or hypothermia. Frostbite can develop in half an hour or less when skin is exposed to temperatures under 15 below zero. Hypothermia risk is exacerbated when frostbite is already present. While Monroe County is under an extreme cold warning, it may experience wind chills as cold as 25 degrees below zero.
The NWS issues extreme cold advisories when the weather conditions aren’t quite cold enough to qualify for warning status but are still dangerously cold. During the extreme cold warning, Monroe County is expected to experience wind chills between 10 and 20 degrees below zero.
What precautions should you take in the cold?
Avoid going outdoors whenever possible. If going outside, it is important to cover exposed skin to protect against frostbite. Monroe County Emergency Management recommends wearing a face mask, gloves and a hat, in addition to typical winter gear.
The NWS recommends keeping pets indoors as much as possible. If driving, ensure the car has at least half a tank of gas and a well-stocked emergency kit.
What resources are available?
Eight Monroe County properties will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday as warming centers, where those who need it may warm up temporarily before finding a more permanent residence for the night. MCEM posted a a list of centers open Monday on its Facebook page.
For immediate updates, sign up for MCEM emergency alerts. Residents can also follow MCEM’s Facebook page and stay updated on the NWS’s Indiana website.
