STEVENS POINT – With wind chills expected to dip as low as 45 degrees below zero Thursday night into Friday morning and the National Weather Service issuing extreme cold warnings and watches for central Wisconsin through Saturday morning, several area schools are already announcing closures or shifting to virtual learning and some weekend events and activities have been canceled.
This blog will be updated throughout the dangerous cold snap with additional information on closures as well as tips on how local residents can stay safe during this extreme weather event.
Iverson Winter Sports Area closed Friday and Saturday
Iverson Winter Sports Area in Stevens Point will be closed Friday and Saturday due to extreme cold, according to a Facebook post from the Stevens Point Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department. The post urged interested individuals to check back for updates regarding Sunday hours.
The Winter Sports Area features three sled and saucer runs, one designated snowboard run and one designated run for children 6 years and younger. It also includes an outdoor lighted recreational skating rink and a warming lodge. Iverson’s two toboggan slides have not yet opened for the season.
The facilities close if the temperature reaches -15 degrees with or without wind chill, according to the city’s website.
Iverson Park is open during regular hours, from sunrise to 11 p.m., when favorable conditions and runs are established. Staff is on-site with the warming lodge open and lights on from 6-9 p.m. Fridays, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, when conditions allow.
For updates, check the Iverson Winter Sports Area section on the city’s website.
― Jamie Rokus, Stevens Point Journal
Fixed-route bus service will be fare free
The City of Stevens Point posted on its Facebook page Jan. 22 all fixed-route city bus services will be fare-free Jan. 22 and 23 in response to the extreme cold, supporting safe and accessible transportation for residents during the hazardous weather.
― Caitlin Shuda, Stevens Point Journal
Stevens Point area businesses close due to cold
― Caitlin Shuda, Stevens Point Journal
Walmart announces limited pickup and delivery
Walmart Plover posted Jan. 22 the store may have limited slot availability for pickup and delivery services over the next few days to support the safety and well-being of customers and associates. Walmart stores will remain open for in-store shopping.
― Caitlin Shuda, Stevens Point Journal
List of warming locations available in Portage County
The Portage County Sheriff’s Office announced a list of warming locations and the operating hours across Portage County.
― Caitlin Shuda, Stevens Point Journal
Sheriff’s Office offers tips to stay warm
The Portage County Sheriff’s Office shared safety tips for residents to stay warm during the extreme cold.
― Caitlin Shuda, Stevens Point Journal
Local school districts announce closures and virtual learning
As forecasts predict extreme cold temperatures for the end of this week, some local school districts have announced plans to close Friday, Jan. 23 or switch to virtual learning. The following school districts in the Stevens Point area have announced changes to Friday classes and activities:
― Caitlin Shuda and Jamie Rokus, Stevens Point Journal
Central WI sees cold fronts like this once every 5-10 years
Dangerously cold wind chills are expected to be as low as 35-45 degrees below zero from late Thursday night through Saturday morning across central Wisconsin, according to Timm Uhlmann, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Green Bay.
Uhlmann said a strong push of northwestern air flow from Canada and the arctic is bringing cold air down to central Wisconsin. The faster and stronger the push, the further south those cold temperatures will extend, he said.
Uhlmann said central Wisconsin sees cold fronts to this degree once about every 5-10 years.
These dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes, and pets should be inside as much as possible. The National Weather Service recommends dressing in layers, including hats, face masks and gloves for anyone who must go outside.
― Caitlin Shuda, Stevens Point Journal
This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: What you need to know as extreme cold snap arrives in Stevens Point
Reporting by Jamie Rokus, Caitlin Shuda, Erik Pfantz and Karen Madden, Stevens Point Journal / Stevens Point Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
