Wind chill advisory extended

• Snow

(Brian Korthals/Daily Globe)

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2:05 p.m. Wednesday Update

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The wind chill advisory has been extended to 6 a.m. Thursday for counties in southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa, including Osceola, Dickinson, O'Brien, Lyon, Murray, Cottonwood, Nobles, Jackson and Pipestone counties.

Bitter cold arctic air will continue to move southward over the area through the afternoon and evening. North winds will be 15 to 25 miles per hour this afternoon, gusting to 30 miles per hour.

Wind chills may reach 40 below zero in southwest Minnesota.

As high pressure builds south tonight, the wind will start to subside after sunset. The effects of the wind will diminish after midnight but actual temperatures will drop to 20 below Thursday morning.

A wind chill warning means the combination of very cold air and strong winds will create dangerously low wind chill values, which can result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia or death if precautions are not taken.

4:32 p.m. Tuesday Update

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Southwest Minnesota's winter weather woes aren't over yet. A winter weather advisory in effect tonight will expire at midnight, which will immediately be followed by a wind chill advisory to set to expire at midnight Wednesday, for Nobles, Cottonwood, Murray, Jackson and Pipestone counties in southwest Minnesota.

Rock County will be under a wind chill advisory starting at midnight tonight and ending at midnight Wednesday.

Snow will continue to affect the area, coming to an end after midnight. Snowfall accumulations are expected to reach 1 to 4 inches, with the heaviest amount of snow across southwest Minnesota. Snow will be heavy at times and may reduce visibility to less than one half mile at times.

Bitterly cold area will follow the snow, along with gusty northwest winds, warned the National Weather Service, stating the winds could produce dangerous wind chills of 20 to 40 degrees below zero.

The northwest winds will begin to subside Wednesday evening, but the dangerous wind chill will worsen when the actual air temperatures drop to 20 degrees below zero.

A winter weather advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. The National Weather Service reminded travelers to be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibility, and to use caution while driving.

A wind chill advisory is issued when a strong wind will combine with cold temperatures to create dangerously cold conditions for exposed skin. The wind will make it feel like it is 20 degrees below zero or colder for a period of several hours. Those planning to venture outdoors should dress warmly and make sure all exposed skin is covered.

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