Low predicted to reach -5 Thursday night

(By Timberly Ferree) IT'S COLD OUT HERE: Brandon King, a third grader at Linton-Stockton Elementary School, walks home from school Wednesday afternoon. A blast of arctic air is slated to hit the area today. [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

According to the National Weather Service, bitter cold arctic air and gusty northwest winds are expected from now until Friday and a wind chill advisory is in effect until 1 p.m. on Friday.

Wind chills will reach 10 to 20 below zero at times today and Friday.

A wind chill advisory means that very cold air and strong winds will combine to generate a low wind chills. This will result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken.

If you go out, wear a hat and gloves.

According to www.wthitv.com, some of the coldest temps of the winter season are on the way.

Today, expect a daytime high of 5 degrees with a low of -5 degrees.

On Friday, expect a high of 13 degrees with a low of 6 degrees.

Wind chills will be dangerously cold today and Friday dropping to around -20 degrees, according to Meteorologist David Wire.

On Saturday, the high is expected to hit 26 degrees and the low is expected to be 19 degrees.

On Sunday, expect a daytime high of 31 degrees and a low of 21 degrees.

To help Hoosiers prepare for these winter conditions, the Indiana State Police offers the following tips.

Be prepared:

* Before traveling, check the forecast and let someone know your travel route.

* Keep your gas tank at least half-full.

* Carry a winter driving kit that should include blankets, flashlight, extra batteries, a brightly colored cloth, sand (or cat litter), shovel, candle, matches, non-perishable high calorie food, first aid kit, and jumper cables.

* Have a cell phone and charger cord available.

* Slow down on snow/ice covered roads.

* Allow extra time to arrive at your destination.

* Clear all windows of ice and snow and remove snow from hood, roof, and lights.

* Use extra caution when driving across bridges, underpasses, shaded areas and intersections where ice is slow to melt.

* Avoid abrupt stops and starts. Slow down gradually.

Should you become stranded:

* Don't leave your car. It's the best protection you have.

* Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna.

* Roll down your window a small amount to allow fresh air in your vehicle.

* Keep the exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

* Don't panic. An idling car uses approximately one gallon of gas per hour.

For Indiana road conditions call (317) 232-8298 or 1-800-261-7623, or visit the Indiana State Police Web site at www.state.in.us/isp www.in.gov/isp. Please do not call dispatch centers for road conditions. They will be extremely busy dispatching equipment and personnel to motorists requiring emergency assistance.