Dangerous wind chills heading into Christmas weekend

Forecasters are now warning of wind chills as low as -25 heading into Christmas weekend in our area.

The National Weather Service says we can expect dangerously cold weather, strong winds and snow later this week. A strong storm system is expected to come through Thursday night and Friday morning with wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph. A winter storm watch has been issued for parts of Indiana north of Interstate 70.

Forecasters warn that wind chills this low can lead to frostbite in less than five minutes. Hypothermia is a real danger if precautions are not taken. Temperatures are expected to be at or near record lows.

And we could see roads icing over as the Arctic air moves in Thursday night. Along with snowfall, that could make travel difficult on Friday.

The weather service urges you to prepare now, gathering any necessary supplies to protect yourself from the dangerous cold. And you should consider alternate travel plans.