By Taylor J. Hale

PORTAGE COUNTY — Portage County locals should grab some hot chocolate and a heated blanket. It’s going to be a cold one.

The Stevens Point Police Department announced a National Weather Service advisory issued from 6 p.m. on Jan. 24 to noon of the following day. Wind chills are said to plummet as low as 25 through 35 degrees below in the area. The central and east-central areas of Wisconsin are expected to experience drastic temperature drops.

“The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes,” read the police announcement taken from the National Weather Service. “A Wind Chill Advisory means that cold air and the wind will combine to create low wind chills. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur if precautions are not taken.”

The advisory warns citizens to arm themselves with gloves and hats when heading outdoors into the frigid winter winds. Although staying indoors if possible is advised. Those living near Lake Michigan are expected to endure even quicker and sharper temperature drops. The bulk of the counties in the state are experiencing similar weather fluctuations.

The cold winter weather system is expected to remain in the region, possibly until the beginning of February. Wisconsinites should stay warm and stay indoors when they can.

To read the original announcement visit https://www.facebook.com/StevensPointPD/.