Associated Press Published

State Officials Urge West Virginians to Stay Out of the Cold

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State officials are urging West Virginians to take precautions against bitter cold weather.

Temperatures fell to record levels on Thursday morning in Bluefield and Lewisburg.

The National Weather Service says the low temperature in Bluefield was 4 degrees below zero. The previous record for Feb. 19 was 3 degrees in 1993.

The low temperature in Lewisburg was zero. The previous record was 3 degrees in 2006.

Wind chill warnings and advisories are in effect across the state through Friday morning.

The West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety says residents should stay indoors and have an emergency kit in case of a power outage. Residents who venture outside are advised to dress in layers and limit skin exposure to the cold.