It's not quite the polar vortex that we suffered through last winter - at least not yet - but bone-chilling cold is in the forecast for the next few days.
The arctic-like conditions can do a number on vehicles and humans as car batteries drain and flesh can freeze in just a matter of minutes. So to keep you on the road and warm as the coldest air of the season moves in, here are a few tips for getting around:
BY VEHICLE
Monday was an extremely busy day for AAA Minnesota-Iowa and AAA Minneapolis. Both agencies logged more than double their normal amount of calls for service by mid-afternoon. Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be just as busy. The most common calls were for jump starts and tows.
But with so many calls coming in, drivers need to be prepared to wait as long as an hour for service during the busiest times, said Jamie Korf, a spokeswoman for AAA Minneapolis.
"We are responding to calls for those who do not have the means of shelter vs. those who are in safe, unexposed quarters" Korf said. But still the wait could be a while.
If the unfortunate happens, motorists should have an emergency kit on board. Be sure to have a flashlight, jumper cables, flares, basic tools, water and non-perishable food items. A fully-charged cell phone would be a good idea, too
In addition, Korf offered the following suggestions:
