ABC7's Street-level Interactive Radar
It hasn't been cold long enough to kill flowers, but it was cold just enough to lightly snow on Tuesday.
Snowflakes flew in places like Oswego, Bartlett, Downers Grove, and Joliet, but in most places the ground was too warm for the snow to stick around. The heaviest precipitation fell in the south and west suburbs, and parts of LaSalle County reported 1-2" of snow, according to the National Weather Service.
"I remember hearing the weather, possible rain and or snow, so it happened, it did happen. In Oakbrook, that's where we were, the mall," said Charmaine Hines.
"Yes, in Addison. It was coming down, it was light snow, snow/rain," said Chuck Green.
The slushy snow didn't stop one guy from cutting his grass, nor did the cold weather dampen Bob Reilly's morning plans.
"I just got off the golf course a little while ago up in Highland Woods, didn't get any snow. It just started raining when I left," said Bob Reilly.
And rain was about all that was left by mid-afternoon, while IDOT snow plows were able to stay put. The cold temperatures and some early morning frost was a reminder for many that winter is around the corner.
"Since I just moved from Florida, I'm definitely not ready for it," said Conor McKechney.
Boiler breaks at high-rise as temps fall
The timing couldn't be worse for residents at a West Side high rise that has no heat and no hot water. A letter posted in the lobby of the Medical Center Apartments on Harrison indicates management is working to restore the heat and hot water. They also apologized for any inconvenience.
Over the phone, a manager said the boiler broke down Monday, and that temperatures in the 200 high-rise units, even without heat, average 72-degrees. Residents say that's not the case.
"Wearing two, three layers on my body and trying to keep myself warm. No hot water. I get hot water, I make hot water on the stove and use a towel and take baths. Because I stay alone that's OK, but if I was with my children it is horrible to live in here," Madhuri Alladi, tenant, said.
"It's kind of difficult for me because I am an outsider. I just landed in Chicago sometime back. I am doing a semester here in IIT so it is really difficult," Moutushi Kundu, tenant, said.
Management isn't sure when the heat would be back on, but said contractors are trying to fix the situation.
CFD: Check your furnaceSome people are turning on their heat for the first time. Chicago Fire Department officials said it's time to check your furnace and make sure there's a working carbon monoxide detector.
"If you have a boiler or a furnace, at least once a year get it checked. Have a professional come and make sure the flue is clear, make sure there are no gas leaks. If you find that the detector keeps going off, call the fire department and call a professional," said Larry Langford, spokesman, Chicago Fire Department.
"Dust is a big factor on a furnace not operating properly. Check the filter regularly. Airflow restriction can cause lack of heat, higher energy costs and also a strain on your furnace, as well," HVAC technician Anthony Perez said.
