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Last updated on Sunday, January 5, 2014
(BEDFORD) - Sleet is falling in Bedford and the temperature is dropping, officials are warning residents to stay inside.
Monday's windchill is predicted to be a negative 30 degrees and lower.
The sleet is predicted to turn to snow with an accumulation of 6 to 14 inches expected from Sunday morning to 1 a.m. Monday.
Officials are calling it a dangerous situation.
Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer is monitoring the situation and has been in touch with the Red Cross to set up emergency shelters in case of power outages.
Though going out isn't recommended, if it's necessary, Luchauer encourages people to keep items like blankets, food, water and hand warmers in cars in order to be prepared.
Sheriff Sam Craig says residents need to use common sense and be not to venture out in the weather if possible.
School officials are also monitoring weather conditions, but no decision has been made on if school will be closed on Monday.
North Lawrence Community Schools Superintendent Gary Conner and Steve Phillips, superintendent of Mitchell Community Schools says they will make a determination as soon as possible saying the extreme cold temperatures are a concern. Both say the safety of students are their main concern.
Luchauers says with below zero temperatures nobody should be out more than a couple of minutes, because of the danger of frostbite.
Police are warning motorist to be prepared: have a full tank of gas, a charged cell phone, flash light, and keep the radio on for information and dress warm.
Bedford Police Chief Dennis Parsley says to make sure there is a red cloth or flag in your vehicle. If a motorist gets in trouble they need to hang the red cloth from a window.
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