The Fort Dodge area is facing a one-two punch of severe weather for the second half of this week.

Blizzard-like conditions are expected today, while extreme cold temperatures are expected Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

People are urged to avoid traveling during the blizzard conditions and to avoid the outdoors as the frigid temperatures arrive.

“Don’t be outdoors for extended periods if you don’t have to be,” said Dylan Hagen, the Webster County emergency management coordinator.

The National Weather Service is predicting near blizzard conditions this afternoon and evening caused by falling snow and strong winds. About one inch of snow could accumulate, while wind gusts could hit 41 mph.

The Weather Service is projecting wind chills as low as minus 31 Friday morning.

Hagen said anyone who will be going outside needs to dress in layers.

He added that anyone traveling should have a full tank of fuel, plus extra blankets and clothes in the vehicle.

Pets, he said, should be brought indoors. If the pets cannot be brought indoors, they need to have some shelter from the wind.

Hagen suggests checking on older neighbors to make sure they are OK during the extreme winter weather.