Active AlertsWalnut, IL

What: For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph. For the Extreme Cold Watch, dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below possible.
Where: Portions of north central, northwest, and west central Illinois and east central Iowa.
When: For the Wind Advisory, until midnight CST tonight. For the Extreme Cold Watch, from late Thursday night through Saturday morning.
Impacts: Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 30 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Secure outdoor objects. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.