Meanwhile, there was a plea to clear the sidewalks in the city Wednesday afternoon as the bitter cold moves in. Snow-covered sidewalks may turn even more treacherous, especially for those with mobility issues.
The weather caused some travel issues Wednesday evening. A ground stop was issued from 6:12 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at Chicago's O'Hare Airport due to snow or ice, the FAA said.
Chicagoans are doing their best to get ready for another arctic blast.
"I would have much rather stayed in a nice warm bed to be honest," Elmwood Park resident Paul Hlepas said. "My bones and the weather don't get along too well."
"I dress warm, forgot my hat, but I always wear my long coat because I can't stand being cold," Chicago resident Donna Williams said.
People living in the city and surrounding areas are bundling up for brutally cold temperatures in the days ahead.
But, it's not stopping people from spending time in the Windy City. Green Bay's John Lewis was doing some holiday shopping with his granddaughter Wednesday.
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"It's warmer down here, so we like it," Lewis said. "Make sure you've got your hat and gloves on. We're experts. We're up in Green Bay."
A cold front is rolling through Wednesday evening, bringing with it wind chills that will make it feel like 15 to 20 degrees below zero.
The city has opened more than 200 warming centers across Chicago for people looking to take a break from the harsh winter weather.
The Office of Emergency Management and Communications is encouraging residents to stay indoors if possible, to limit time outside and to download the OEMC app.
"For our vulnerable communities, we want to make sure that they can call 311 for well-being checks if they need assistance with sheltering placement," said Matt Doughtie with OEMC. "Please limit your time outside. Limit your time on the roadways if possible."
NIPSCO, the Northern Indiana Public Service Company, is also working to keep customers safe with a few early pointers, like using space heaters with caution, making sure all heating appliances are operating properly and never using a stove or oven as a source for heating your home.
"If you're experiencing any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which could be headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing or even feeling ill or tired while at home, you want to make sure that you are calling, getting the appropriate medical assistance that you need, as well," said Joshauna Nash with NIPSCO.
Navigating winter sidewalks can be especially treacherous for those with mobility issues.
Access Living President and CEO Karen Tamley attempted to cross an alley, but trying to roll over chunky packed snow turned to ice she quickly became stuck
"When sidewalks are not cleared properly and the weather continues to freeze, the snow freezes into ice, making it even harder and more dangerous to navigate over," Tamley said.
Tamley was working at home Wednesday after what she described as harrowing situations, being forced into the street in her wheelchair to avoid ice-covered sidewalks.
"It was scary," Tamley said. "I'm low to the ground, I'm wearing a black coat on and it's night time."
Access Living supported a pilot program in Chicago to clear sidewalks but it was voted down in October by a joint committee in City Council.
"We know how to do it it is solely a matter of political will, and it is disappointing to me that the will is not there to change the lives of tens of thousands of Chicagoans," 1st Ward Ald. Daniel La Spata said.
"Fundamentally, what I care about is the sidewalks being cleared so that people can get around, and that we don't treat sidewalks as lesser modes of transportation," Access Living Transportation Policy Analyst Laura Saltzman said.
Ashley Eisenmenger made it to work, but it took her much longer. She is blind and uses a white cane.
She explained the sounds the cane makes are critical to her navigation, but ice and snow hide her landmarks. She says she ended up in the middle of the street earlier this week without knowing it.
"It's overwhelming. It's dangerous. It's scary," Eisenmenger said. "For as accessible as Chicago is, in the winter, sometimes it feels impossible to leave the house."
Better Streets Chicago and Access Living are hosting a community meeting Thursday in the Wesy Loop to discuss the status of their PlowTheSidewalks campaign.