A bitter cold week is ahead for much of central Illinois and local authorities are advising area residents to take as much precaution as possible.

According to Teresa Barnett, Director of the DeWitt County Emergency Management Agency, we are in for a short term Arctic blast of bitter cold air. She explains the temperatures are going to make it feel like January temperatures outside and is recommending people take several precautions to keep warm.

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Temperatures this week are expected to be below the freezing mark until after mid-week and according to Barnett, Tuesday morning is going to be extremely cold. She indicates wind chills will be below zero for the first time this season.

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For residents who might have trouble staying warm during these cold spells, Barnett encourages them to visit the Warner Public Library or the DeWitt County Friendship Center. Emergency heating centers generally only open up in the event of power outages.

Barnett indicates everything she has been told from her weather sources at the National Weather Service in Lincoln say it is too early to indicate what kind of a winter we are in store for.

To stay up to date with the latest in happenings for severe winter conditions, sign up for notifications through the Code Red Alert system at the dewittcountyill.com or at the City of Clinton website, clintonillinois.com.