National Weather Service meteorologist John Pollack says exposed flesh will freeze in about 15 to 30 minutes when the wind chill is 20 below.
A wind-chill advisory is in effect until late this morning. Temperatures of five to 10 below combined with winds of at least 10 miles per hour are creating dangerous conditions.
Temperatures should raise by 11 a.m. Tuesday.
A mass of arctic air moving over the Great Plains created the severe cold, which hit most of Nebraska yesterday. The cold follows a weekend storm that dumped up to six inches of snow over the area.
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Preparing for Cold Weather
Pay close attention to weather changes, especially when the temperature falls quickly within a short period of time.
Put on dry, light and comfortable clothes that are good for keeping warm. Do not put on clothes that are too bulky, and do not dress too tightly, which may restrict blood circulation or hinder body movements. Be sure to keep the head, neck, hands and feet warm.
Eat and drink hot and easily digestible food and beverages with higher calories, like hot milk, soup, noodles and rice. Alcohol is not a good means for keeping warm. Although one feels warm immediately after drinking alcohol, it actually accelerates the loss of body heat, as alcohol dilates blood vessels.
Keep your home warm, but well ventilated. To keep out drafts, repair cracks in windows, doors and walls. When using electric heaters, make sure there is indoor ventilation. Do not overload the electrical sockets which could overheat and lead to fire or burn injuries.
What is hypothermia?
Tips to avoiding hypothermia
Before you or your children step out into cold air temperatures, remember this simple advice: C-O-L-D.
Source: A compilation of Web Reports contributed to this report.