Cold weather grips Omaha area

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – The Omaha metro area can expect more bitterly cold temperatures and snow this week.

The National Weather Service says three to five inches of snow are forecast Tuesday. That'll be combined with wind chills reaching 15 degrees below zero.

NWS Valley Meteorologist David Eastlack says when temperatures are that cold, frostbite can set in within 15 minutes. He says it isn't unusual to have a cold snap in December, but the lack of a significant snowfall so far this season is out of the ordinary.

Health officials urge everyone who must be outside to dress in layers, wear a hat, and protect your hands, feet, ears and face.

The cold weather has Omaha's homeless seeking shelter. Tim Sully, Development Director of the Siena-Francis House, says 380 people have stayed at their three shelters the past few nights. At Open Door Mission, President and CEO Candace Gregory says they're at capacity.