It's Cold..."Weather" We Like it or Not ⋆ 715Newsroom.com

Dangerously cold weather is hitting the Chippewa Valley.

An extreme cold warning is in effect for the region. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as ten minutes. CLICK HERE FOR YOUR LOCAL FIRST ALERT FORECAST WITH WEAU 13.

We’re not alone. Wisconsin as a whole is dealing with dangerously cold temperatures today. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for the entire state, including Milwaukee, where the high temperature is expected to stay below zero. Residents are advised to bundle up in layers if you need to leave the house. If you do have to leave the house, below are some local weather related changes to travel and entertainment.

Eau Claire Transit is providing free rides today and tomorrow due to the excessive cold.

The agency says it is doing so to keep people safe and warm. In related news, outdoor rinks and warming shelters will be closed over the next two days. Both will reopen on Sunday.

The Children’s Museum is open, as it always is on Fridays, but with the frigid temperatures and many families and children juggling schedule changes, they are going to offer a Pay What you Can day. Whether you’re a family without access to proper heat, experience an emergency from busted pipes or simply need to get some wild children out of the house to burn off some energy, the museum will be open AND you can choose your admission price. CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

And let’s not forget those who are out working despite the conditions. Farmers, truckers, and responders we see you and thank you! In fact, Sheriff Hakes offered this reminder to folks during our cold snap…even putting some art skills to work:

“I wanted to take a moment to let you all know that in extreme weather conditions, like we will experience over the course of the next few days our field service staff may deviate slightly from our standard uniform appearance.

These minor deviations will not hinder our clear law enforcement insignia, nor will they impact our marked vehicles. They may include items such as snow boots, facial coverings, and things of a similar nature.

We hope everyone has a safe and warm weekend. In the event they need our services, we will knock the icicles off our noses and be there for their public safety needs.

Should anyone want to verify our law enforcement presence they can dial the non-emergency number 715-726-7701.”

Thank you!

Sheriff Hakes