Chicago Weather: Frigid conditions continue; slight warmup this weekend
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Frigid weather continues in Chicago on Friday with highs in the single digits and wind chills below zero. But things are looking up for the weekend.
ABC7 Meteorologist Tracy Butler said Friday's high of 11 degrees came and went in the early morning hours. Temperatures are expected to drop as the day progresses. Wind chill values are expected to be between -10 and -20. The National Weather Service said a Wind Chill Advisory will be in effect from 6 p.m. Friday to noon on Saturday.
Frozen pipes, warming centers
A pipe burst at Ogden International School on Chicago's Near North Side overnight, causing a mess. Parents were notified of the incident, but the principal said it was all cleaned up before children arrived.
"Our engineering staff has cleaned up all the water, salted heavily in the area," he wrote.
A pipe also burst at the Forever XXI clothing store on Chicago's Michigan Avenue. Officials warn that the thawing and freezing of water inside the pipes can lead to problems at homes, as well.
It was a similar scene at DuPage Children's Museum in Naperville, where all three floors were inundated.
The bitter cold also caused problems at O'Hare Friday night. American Airlines canceling 16 flights because of frozen underground fuel lines. Delays were running around 30 minutes.
While Friday night was bitter cold, the weekend should be a bit warmer. Saturday's highs are expected to be in the teens and Sunday's highs will be in the upper 20s.
People are encouraged to stay indoors if possible, and bring pets inside as well. Those who have to be out should dress in layers and cover as much skin as possible. Officials warn frostbite can occur in just minutes during these conditions.
Warming centers will be open around the city for those in need, including six operated by the Department of Family and Support Services. DFSS warming centers will be open for extended hours, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Friday. Their 10 South Kedzie location is open 24/7 to connect homeless families and individuals to shelter. Libraries and senior centers also serve as warming centers for anyone in need. For more information on warming centers, click here. Any residents who need a ride to a warming center or shelter, or to arrange a well-being check, can call 311. Some suburbs also offer warming centers. In Naperville, all of them are open.
Back to school for CPS
For thousands of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students, it was back to class after two days off.
"It's just as cold today as it was yesterday. There's no difference," Angel Ishmael, parent, said.
"I'll be honest. Today doesn't feel as cold as the past couple of days so I think this is where they should be," Brenda Coletto, parent, said.
Dozens of schools in the city and suburbs were still closed on Friday, including schools in U46 in Elgin. For a full list of school closings in the Chicago area, visit ABC7's School Closings page.
Flight, traffic delays
As of Friday morning, the Chicago Department of Aviation reported 135 flight cancellations and minor delays due to weather at O'Hare Airport. Only minor cancellations and minor delays were reported at Midway Airport.
Slick roads may have led to several crashes in the area, including a 20-vehicle crash in Huntley. TRAFFIC: Interactive Chicago Traffic Map
Chicago's Department of Streets and Sanitation sent its entire fleet overnight, more than 300 snow plows and salt spreaders. To track the plows in real time, visit www.chicagoshovels.org.
