Bitter-cold wind chills will continue through week for Wausau, Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point and Marshfield

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include information about a new wind chill advisory issued through noon Tuesday.

After a very mild start to the season, winter has hit central Wisconsin with a vengeance. While many finish digging out after Friday’s snowstorm moves out of the area, gusty winds and bitter-cold temperatures will remain this week.

Bitter-cold temperatures are expected across the region tonight, and gusty winds will cause wind chills to fall to 30 below zero through Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Green Bay.

A wind chill advisory has been issued through noon Tuesday for Marathon, Portage, Wood, Waupaca and Waushara counties in central Wisconsin. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, according to the National Weather Service.

Very cold wind chills will continue at times from Tuesday through Sunday, mainly overnight into the morning. High temperatures will remain in the single digits through Wednesday with low temperatures remaining below zero through the week, according to the National Weather Service.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation advises anyone who will be driving during this time to keep an emergency kit in their vehicle and alert others about their route and expected travel time. Drivers should also keep their fuel tank at least half full to help prevent fuel lines from freezing and to provide extra fuel if stranded. The Wisconsin DOT said drivers should make sure their car’s battery, antifreeze and cooling system are in good condition.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 5 office in Chicago urges people to limit their time outdoors during the bitter-cold temperatures and to wear layers of warm clothing and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia, if you must go outside. They also encourage people to remember safe home heating practices and to keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters and candles. Space heaters should always be plugged directly into an outlet and make sure the cord isn’t damaged or frayed. Never use an oven to heat your home, the FEMA office said.

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Editor Jamie Rokus can be reached at jrokus@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter at @Jamie_Rokus.

This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Bitter-cold wind chills continue through week for central Wisconsin