Deep Freeze Sets In

Wind chills as low as 30 below zero are plaguing the tri-state Wednesday, forcing many closings and cancellations.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - A polar vortex is swirling over the Tri-State with some of the coldest temperatures in decades. 

The National Weather Service says high temperatures will top out in single digits, with wind chills that will dip to a dangerous -35.

A Wind Chill Warning remains in effect until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday. It will be followed by a less serious Wind Chill Advisory through 1:00 p.m. Thursday.

[2:43 AM] Altho the snow will taper off over the next several hours, arctic air is on the move and will be arriving in full force around and shortly after sunrise. Sharply dropping temps/windy conditions expected this morning = dangerous wind chills! Avoid venturing outdoors! pic.twitter.com/qeUesIG8DC

— NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) January 30, 2019

Even those who persist through the cold weather are calling things off. The U.S. Postal Service has canceled mail delivery in some areas to protect its carriers. Even Perfect North Slopes ski area has suspended operations.

Hundreds of local schools are closed and calling off all activities because of the extreme conditions, and many other places and organizations are issuing cancellations Wednesday. Mount Saint Joseph University, Ivy Tech in Lawrenceburg and Batesville, NKU, University of Cincinnati, and Xavier University are all closed. The Dearborn County Clearinghouse and Batesville Food Pantry will both be closed.

Travelers should be aware that road conditions are not ideal as some light snow fell overnight. Area road crews have been treating roads, but the arctic temperatures are reducing the effectiveness of salt in melting the ice and snow.

Also, the Anderson Ferry is not running Wednesday due to the Arctic air.

Warming centers are open to those who need them in Lawrenceburg, Vevay, and Warsaw.