Accuweather Tracy Butler says despite some sun Tuesday, there will be a high temperature of just one degree. In Illinois, a Wind Chill Warning remains in effect for Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Livingston, McHenry and northern Will counties until noon Tuesday.
A Wind Chill Advisory will then go into effect at noon Tuesday for those counties and remain in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday. In northwest Indiana, a Wind Chill Advisory will remain in effect until 9 a.m. CST for Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties. For LaPorte and Starke counties, the advisory will remain in effect until 11 a.m. CST.
On the roads, many vehicles just gave out, stalling on the roadways. On Monday, Tesla drivers struggling to find working charging stations were stuck in Evergreen Park and Oakbrook. In fact car batteries are flying off the shelves at some shops.
Dangerously cold weather continues in Chicago Tuesday, with low temperatures impacting O’Hare and Midway airports and schools closings. These bitter temperatures are having an impact on travel. As of 4:25 a.m. at O’Hare, 119 flights have already been canceled, with 76 flights canceled at Midway.
“In this type of weather, either when it’s hot or very cold, they stop working,” said Aztek Auto Parts and Repair co-owner Filiberto Magallanes. “Your oil changes, your tire pressures, make sure your anti-freeze is full.” Metra is using flames to keep the tracks warm and clear of snow and ice to keep trains running smoothly. As a reminder, before you leave the house and head for the airport for a flight, check with your airline and your specific flight for an update.
Doctors warn, with wind chills this high, frostbite and hypothermia can set in within a manner of minutes. If you do have to head to work and take public transportation, layer up and prepare for a bitter cold start to the day. The centers open when temperatures are 32 degrees. They are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Chicago Public Schools has canceled and rescheduled all events scheduled to be held in their buildings on Monday due to the weather conditions. CPS classes and after-school activities are canceled on Tuesday due to the extreme temperatures. There will be no remote learning.
The Harold Washington Library has opened the lower level as a 24/7 warming center through Jan. 17 for anyone in need. At least 66 new migrant arrivals have been moved there as they await permanent shelter placement.
The Garfield Center at 10 S. Kedzie is open 24 hours to help families find emergency shelter. The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services has also expanded outreach teams to encourage unhoused residents to seek shelter or warming options as they conduct well-being checks. Warming centers in Cook County will be open 24/7 through Wednesday.
