Monroe County will face what the National Weather Service is calling "bitterly cold” temperatures this week.
An arctic airmass over Indiana will keep Monroe County highs around the 20s and 30s and lows in the single digits through Friday, according to the NWS. Wind chill in the county could reach as low as –5 degrees Monday night.
Monroe County could also receive around an inch of snow Tuesday night, according to the NWS. There’s also a 20% chance of snow Wednesday night.
The Monroe County Emergency Management Agency recommends wearing layers on cold days, driving with caution during periods of heavy snow and preparing for power outages. Monroe County residents can sign up to receive emergency alerts online.
Exposure to extreme cold conditions can lead to cold-related health problems, like hypothermia and frostbite. According to the National Institutes of Health, signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion and memory loss and fumbling hands.
Frostbite can happen anywhere on the body but typically impacts exposed areas like the nose and fingers. People with frostbite feel pins and needles in the affected area followed by numbness. Frostbite-affected areas will then turn white, hard and cold to the touch.
According to the NIH, people travelling outside can prevent these risks by dressing in warm layers and waterproof shoes, bringing fluids and foods high in protein and fat, avoiding alcohol and keeping moving, but not to exhaustion. If someone develops signs of hypothermia or frostbite, they should get out of the cold and seek medical attention.
The Bloomington Severe Emergency Winter Shelter is open from 8:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. on nights with severe weather. Its current host locations are First Christian Church and First United Methodist Church, according to its website.
To prevent pipes from bursting during cold weather, consider opening cabinet doors underneath sinks and letting water drip from faucets.
For more information and the latest warnings and advisories, residents can refer to the Monroe County Emergency Management Facebook page and the NWS forecast. For more tips on staying safe in extreme cold, read the Indiana Daily Student’s coverage.
