ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Officials urging caution ahead of dangerously low temperatures and wind chills in Tompkins County.

“This will be by far the coldest air we’ve experienced this winter, with confidence fairly high of seeing wind chills of -15 to -20 degrees for Tompkins County Friday night,” said Mark Pellerito, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service Office in Binghamton.

The Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response (TCDoER) reminding residents to protect themselves against frostbite and hypothermia. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling of hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Signs of frostbite include a lack of feeling in the affected area; skin that appears waxy, is cold to the touch, or is discolored.

“It’s important to remember that well below zero wind chills can lead to frostbite on exposed skin in a matter of minutes,” said TCDoER Community Preparedness Coordinator Geoff Dunn. “Limit your time outdoors, dress in layers, and be sure to wear gloves, a hat and a scarf to protect your face.”

A wind chill advisory for Yates, Seneca, Souther Cayuga, Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung, Tompkins, and Tioga Counties goes into effect at 7:00 a.m. Friday, lasting through 12:00 noon Saturday.