TOPEKA – The state has activated its emergency operations center because of the severe wind chills today and Friday. State emergency officials said the wind chills could be dangerous for people and animals. Wind chills in the area could drop to 20 below to 30 below zero tonight and last through much of Friday, said Chad Omitt, forecaster in the National Weather Service’s Topeka office. The strong winds and cold temperatures will produce wind chills that haven’t been seen in quite a while, he said. If you plan to travel today or Friday you should prepare for the worst-case scenario and include a blanket, food, water, flashlight and cell phone in case your vehicle stalls or slides off the road, said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas adjutant general. He urges you to stay inside.
