Dangerous Cold: How to prepare for winter storms, extreme cold | Winter driving tips | Health, safety tips | Protecting your pets | What you need in your car | What you need to do at home | Chicago Warming Centers
A Wind Chill Warning expires at noon, but dangerous cold persists.
"By noon, we get to Zero. Lots of sun, but it's still deceiving," ABC7 Tracy Butler said.
That Wind Chill Warning went into effect at 6 p.m. Sunday for Lake, Lee, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, La Salle, Kendall, Grundy and Will counties in Illinois. In Indiana, a Wind Chill Warning remains in effect for Benton, Jasper, Lake, Newton, and Porter counties. In Wisconsin, Kenosha and Racine counties are also under a Wind Chill Warning.
Several spinouts and crashes were reported on area roadways Tuesday morning due to slick conditions. Black ice is reported on Lake Shore Drive at Hollywood, Foster and between Monroe and Randolph. A crash was reported on Lake Shore Drive at the S-curve downtown. Travel times were on the rise into downtown Chicago early Tuesday morning. Travel is still dangerous in Indiana, where some roads remain closed.
Officials warn motorists to drive for the conditions.
"When the temperatures are this low, the rock salt isn't as effective," ABC7 Traffic Reporter Roz Varon said.
Public transit is also warning of delays. Metra is running on a modified schedule Tuesday morning, and is urging commuters to check the boards at their train stations. Only minor delays are reported on CTA trains.
In Illinois, Gov. Pat Quinn issued a state disaster declaration and activated the Illinois National Guard on Monday in response to widespread bitter winter weather. Illinois officials are asking motorists who don't have to drive to stay off the roads. To check road conditions, visit gettingaroundillinois.com.
Schools closed Tuesday
Most area schools were closed on Monday, and many also canceled classes for Tuesday, including Chicago Public Schools. Check the list here.
"Given the severity of the weather, which we have not seen in decades, it was the right decision to do for the welfare of our children. It was the right decision to be made," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.
CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett said engineers will continue to check on CPS buildings during the cold. Parents with questions can call the CPS Hotline at 312-553-3100.
Warming centers in Chicago and Cook County are open for residents that need to get in from the extreme cold. Click here for complete listing of Cook County warming Centers.
Anyone who needs help should call 3-1-1.
"We continue to ask our residents to check in on neighbors," Commissioner Evelyn Diaz, Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, said. Diaz said people can also call 3-1-1 to request a well-being check.
The state has 100 warming centers, including a shelter in Chicago that's open 24 hours. Earlier on Monday, Mayor Emanuel visited the facility. After the warming centers close, some people end up sleeping under Lower Wacker.
"When we approach them we just kind of it takes a lot to engage them and to make them trust us so in the beginning it's a hello or get them something they need," said Madalina Leanga, Thresholds.
