Extreme cold ending this morning; snow possible this evening

A wind chill warning remains in effect until 1 p.m. this afternoon.

Wind chills are expected to be down to minus 9 this morning. The polar vortex bringing this extreme cold to our area is being blamed for nine deaths across the Midwest.

And there is a Winter Weather Advisory that goes into effect this evening for some of the counties in our area with up to four inches of snow forecast. That starts at 7 p.m. tonight and goes through 10 a.m. Friday morning and the affected area includes Johnson, Shelby and Decatur counties.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is reporting that they plan to have a full roll out of their snowplows this evening. They will hit the roads starting at about 4 p.m. with the first snow expected at about 5 p.m.

INDOT asks that you give snow plow drivers plenty of room on roads and highways. Especially as they work to keep roads clear during peak driving hours.

If you need shelter today, you still have options. In Columbus, you can visit the Community Engagement Center, at 1951 McKinley Avenue. There is also a warming shelter at Donner Center open today until 5 p.m. That is at 22nd and Sycamore streets.

Due to the extreme weather, the U.S. Postal Service has temporarily suspended delivery service throughout most of the state today. All local post office retail operations will be open.

Columbus Animal Care Services suggests you give the hood of your vehicle a good thump before you drive on cold mornings. Shelter director Nicohl Birdwell Goodin explains that wild animals and outdoor cats like to climb up inside your engine compartment for warmth.