Milwaukee Medical Examiner investigating three deaths related to hypothermia as wind chill advisory extends until Wednesday

Meteorologists warn bitterly cold temperatures are extending into the work week across nearly the entire state of Wisconsin.

The National Weather Service has extended its wind chill advisory until 9 a.m. Wednesday in central and southeast Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Madison, Sheboygan, Kenosha, Racine and Fond du Lac.

In the Green Bay and Appleton area, the wind chill advisory is in effect until noon Tuesday.

In Milwaukee, the wind chill could reach minus-20 degrees with the wind speed at 12 mph throughout this time.

Tuesday is expected to be brutally cold, with a high near 1. Wind chills could reach minus-30. There will be a west wind of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

According to the weather service, these cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Monday evening, there were about 1,300 We Energies customers without electrical service in southeastern Wisconsin after as many as 90,000 customers lost power during last week's snowstorm.

Milwaukee declared a snow emergency from 10 p.m. Jan. 13 until Monday morning. The snow emergency is over, and Milwaukee is focused on clearing snow from the crossovers and medians on boulevards and non-accessible sidewalks and corners. City officials said they will begin clearing snow from bus stops Monday night, they said clearing bus stops could take two nights.

Additionally, there is no overnight parking enforcement until 6 a.m. Tuesday morning, city officials said. Vehicles must still be parked legally and not in violation of posted parking regulations. According to the city, night parking enforcement under winter parking regulations resumes Tuesday night.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office said Monday it was investigating three deaths possibly related to hypothermia:

• A 64-year-old man was pronounced dead at 1:40 p.m. Friday near South 5th Street and West Layton Avenue under a bridge.
• A 69-year-old man was pronounced dead at 1:25 p.m. Saturday near North 35th and West Hadley streets after being found in a vehicle that he used for shelter.
• A 40-year-old man was pronounced dead at 9:56 a.m. Monday near West Woolworth Avenue and North Sherman Boulevard.

Last year, there were nine deaths related to cold weather. Those in need of housing can call 211 for assistance or go to a nearby warming shelter.

Cold weather safety tips from the Milwaukee Health Department

Here are some safety tips for the bitterly cold weather.

• Limit outdoor activities during extreme cold spells and wear appropriate warm clothing that covers exposed skin, including fingers, nose and ears.
• Limit the time children and pets spend outdoors during extreme cold weather.
• Be aware of the symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite can occur within minutes, causing affected areas to appear white or grayish-yellow and feel firm or waxy. Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition characterized by low body temperature, leading to shivering, drowsiness, clumsiness and confusion. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of either condition, seek medical help immediately.
• Check on family members, friends and neighbors who may be at a higher risk for injuries or illness, especially the elderly and those with specific medical conditions. Notify family members where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Avoid touching metal surfaces with uncovered hands, flesh can freeze instantly to a surface.
• Prepare your car safety kit with blankets, extra clothing, water and snacks. Check your car's fuel and battery levels.
• People in need of public spaces and shelters to stay warm during the day or overnight should consult 211’s list of locations or call 211.

Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @kozlowicz_cathy.