National Weather Service officials issued a cold weather advisory in effect until 2 p.m. Tuesday for portions of central, east-central and northeast Illinois as well as northwest Indiana.
Officials said dangerously cold wind chills could reach as low as 28 below zero causing frostbite to those exposed to the frigid temperatures in as little as 30 minutes.
Officials warned the bitterly cold conditions were expected to flood the area Tuesday with wind chills of 20 to 30 below zero, adding the coldest conditions were expected north and west of LaSalle to the Waukegan line. Tuesday night, wind chills are forecast to be near 15 to 20 below zero.
On Wednesday, officials expect up to an inch of snow in the afternoon and evening hours.
The frigid temperatures may cause river ice development and ice jams along the Fox, Rock, Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers, officials said. The ice jams can cause rises in rivers leading to flooding in isolated areas, officials warned.
Earlier this morning conditions at O’Hare International Airport were fair at minus 6 degrees. Farther south at Midway Airport it was negative 5 degrees, officials reported.
While flurries are expected Tuesday throughout the day, there is a 30% chance of snow Wednesday, increasing to a 70% chance of snow Wednesday night, officials said.
Temperatures are expected to be below freezing Thursday and Friday, with clear conditions forecast. Highs in the low 20s are forecast for both days.
Commuters should prepare for slippery conditions Wednesday.
Frigid temperatures and subzero wind chills hit Chicago, prompting postponement of one march
