MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A wind chill advisory is in effect for most of West Virginia through 11 a.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service, wind chill readings are expected to be 10 to 15 degrees below zero.
Winds will be steady at 5 to 10 miles per hour with gusts up to 25 miles per hour.
There is an increased risk for frost bite and hypothermia.
According to Dr. Owen Lander, the medical director in the emergency department at WVU Hospitals, there are several things to keep in mind during brutally cold weather:
-When it’s this cold, avoid going outside alone. If you do, make sure you have a cell phone.
-Avoid any exposed skin when the advisory is in effect.
-Hypothermia can be subtle and happen indoors. Knowing the warning signs is important.
-Just as significant as hypothermia is carbon monoxide poisoning.
Dr. Lander said frostbite can happen within 5 to 10 minutes if it’s very cold.
Hypothermia is when a person’s core body temperature drops below safe level. It can be a gradual process and effects body function.