The National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory Tuesday for the Mahoning and Shenango valleys as wind chills are expected to drop significantly. The advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m. Wednesday for parts of northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania.

Forecasters expect wind chills to reach as low as 21 degrees below zero during the advisory period. An extreme cold warning earlier Tuesday saw wind chills reach 27 degrees below zero. Weather officials said these conditions can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Public health officials recommend that residents stay indoors when possible. Those who must go outside should dress in multiple layers and wear hats, gloves, and face masks to prevent hypothermia.

The freezing temperatures also pose a risk to buildings and animals. Experts suggest allowing water pipes to drip slowly or wrapping them to prevent ruptures. Pet owners should keep animals inside, and farmers should ensure outdoor livestock have dry shelter and unfrozen water.

Residents are encouraged to check on older family members and neighbors to ensure their heating systems are working.

Safety officials warned that portable heaters must be used with caution, and gasoline-powered generators or grills should never be used inside the home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.