Winds Die Down, Chill Still Here
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Updated: 11:25 PM Dec 21, 2008
Winds Die Down, Chill Still Here
Sub-zero temperatures Monday morning
The first day of winter Sunday brought strong winds and a temperature hovering around zero, making the heartland feel like the North Pole.
Posted: 10:42 AM Dec 18, 2008
Reporter: WOWT
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
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The first day of winter Sunday brought strong winds and a temperature hovering around zero, making the heartland feel like the North Pole.

The dangerous windchill threat ended late Sunday night as winds diminished, though the temperature will be below zero through Monday morning.

Several school districts have either cancelled or delayed classes for Monday/Tuesday. Click here for school info.

The concern all weekend was frostbite. If you must go outside, be sure to wear a hat and gloves. Dress in layers for better protection. Avoid tight clothing because it reduces blood circulation.

It's possible to experience superficial frostbite almost instantaneously in cold and windy conditions, according to Dr. Wesley Grigsby at Creighton Medical Center.

Dr. Grigsby says if your feet or hands start to hurt, that is the sign that something is happening and you need to protect yourself.

The Douglas County Health Department offers the following tips concerning frostbite:

  • At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin as frostbite may be beginning.
  • Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite: a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness.
  • If there is frostbite, get into a warm room as soon as possible.
  • Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes as this increases the damage.
  • Immerse the affected area in warm, not hot, water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
  • Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
  • Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.

    These procedures are not substitutes for proper medical care. To learn more, call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

    It's also a good idea to check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly.

    Other Closings & Cancellations

  • Nishna Valley Child Care closed Monday and Tuesday

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