Extreme cold conditions are expected over the next few days for Indiana County.
Most of the county will be under a cold weather advisory until 1:00 PM Wednesday. During that time, temperatures in the area will be bitter cold, with AccuWeather predicting temperatures not going above 15 degrees until Thursday, when it will go up to 30 degrees. But the National Weather Service advises that wind chills could bring the feels-like temperatures to minus 22.
In the higher elevations of Indiana County, an extreme cold warning is in effect for the same period, with wind chills at 28 below zero expected. Temperatures are expected to be around 12-13 degrees during the day and as low as -11 during the warning period.
The cold temperatures could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, and prolonged exposure could bring on hypothermia. People are advised to dress warmly, including covering the face, use caution when travelling outside and keep your pets indoors as much as possible.
Marion Center Fire Department has opened up as a warming shelter during the cold snap.
