An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect for Sioux County and much of Northwest Iowa as arctic air moves into the region, bringing dangerously low temperatures and wind chills that could approach 38 below zero.
According to Sioux County Emergency Management, the warning runs until 9 a.m. Friday, with conditions cold enough to cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls says wind chills between 30 and 40 below zero are possible from Thursday night into Friday morning, with similarly dangerous conditions possible again early Saturday before slowly improving later in the weekend.
Emergency officials are urging residents to limit outdoor exposure, dress in layers, protect pets and livestock, check on neighbors, and avoid unnecessary travel if possible.
With the extreme cold also creating hazardous travel conditions, AAA is reminding drivers to make sure their vehicles are prepared before heading out.
AAA spokesman Brian Ortner says staying off the roads when possible is the safest option during extreme cold.
Ortner says one of the biggest risks in extreme cold is running out of fuel, as being stranded without heat can quickly turn into an emergency. He recommends keeping your gas tank full so you can run your vehicle and stay warm if necessary.
He also says cold temperatures significantly reduce battery performance, meaning batteries that were working fine just days ago can suddenly fail when temperatures drop. Ortner says jumpstarts and even battery replacements become more common during extreme cold.
AAA also recommends checking tire pressure and tread, as cold air reduces tire inflation and worn tires struggle to maintain traction on snow and ice.
Ortner says drivers should let someone know where they’re going before leaving and carry a winter emergency kit with blankets, water, snacks, a phone charger, and roadside assistance information.
Emergency officials say the coldest conditions are expected through Friday morning, with dangerous wind chills likely returning early Saturday before gradually improving.
