Cold wind chills descended into Albert Lea this morning and are expected to stick around through midday Wednesday. 

Dangerous wind chill values of 25 below to 30 below zero were expected this morning across portions of western and central Minnesota as cold air poured into the region with brisk northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph.

The National Weather Service issued a wind chill advisory through 10 a.m. today and for Wednesday from 3 a.m. to noon for all of central and southern Minnesota and west central Wisconsin. The cold Arctic air combined with brisk northwest winds will lead to wind chill values on Wednesday estimated at 25 below to 35 below zero.

The coldest wind chill values will be between 6 and 9 a.m. Wednesday.

The Weather Service stated the temperatures can result in frostbite and lead to hypothermia if   precautions are not taken.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency offered the following precautions:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the cold.

• Dress in layers and keep dry.

• Check on family, friends and neighbors who are at risk.

• Bring pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen water.

• Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit.

“Whether traveling or at home, subfreezing temperatures and wind chills can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t take the proper precautions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA regional administrator. “FEMA continues to urge people throughout the Midwest to monitor their local weather reports and take steps now to stay safe.”