State officials are warning residents to prepare for a “multi-wave” winter storm with dangerous wind chills as low as -40° in the Chicagoland area as schools close Friday and warming centers open.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security said residents should prepare for a multi-wave winter storm and dangerously low temperatures expected to impact Illinois starting Friday through Sunday.
The system is expected to bring extreme cold across most of Illinois, alongside two rounds of heavy snow in the southern region.
Northern and central Illinois are under an extreme cold warning, with wind chills forecasted to plummet as low as -40 degrees.
The conditions pose a significant risk for frostbite, hypothermia and infrastructure disruptions, state officials said.
The extreme cold warning is in effect for much of Illinois, including Lake and McHenry counties.
The warning said that the coldest temperatures will be from 3 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.
“We are preparing for extreme weather conditions statewide and urging all Illinoisians to take precautions throughout the weekend to stay safe and warm,” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said.
“As we brace for freezing temperatures across the state and heavy snow in Southern Illinois, I have directed IEMA-OHS to deploy resources to ensure local authorities have the support they need to keep roads clear and residents safe. I encourage everyone to avoid any unnecessary travel, follow safety recommendations, and visit Ready.Illinois.Gov for winter storm updates,” Pritzker said.
The NWS said the potential for accumulating snow to reach northern Illinois late Saturday afternoon through Sunday continues to increase but the exact amount remains uncertain.
Central Illinois could see 2-6 inches of snow over a 36-hour period, paired with dangerously low wind chills.
Southern Illinois, which will be the most impacted, could see 6-12 inches of accumulating snow expected through Sunday evening. Wind chills as low as -16 degrees will accompany the snow.
“Illinois weather can shift at any moment, and the best time to prepare for this weekend’s unpredictable conditions is right now,” IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore Berger said.
“We are tracking two distinct waves of snow and extreme wind chills that will make travel hazardous. If you must be outdoors, dress in layers and limit your exposure. Our teams are in constant contact with local emergency managers to coordinate a swift response for any weather-related disruptions,” Berger said.
State officials say they recommend avoiding travel during peak snow hours and carrying a winter emergency kit in vehicles.
Residents should insulate exposed pipes and ensure they have a three-day supply of food and medication.
People should cover all exposed skin when outdoors to prevent frostbite, which can occur in minutes at the temperatures expected.
Residents are also encouraged to reach out to elderly neighbors or those with disabilities who may need assistance with heating or snow removal.
At least 15 schools in Lake and McHenry counties have already canceled class for Friday due to the cold.
A list of warming centers in McHenry County can be found on the county’s website and a list of warming centers in Lake County can also be found on the county’s website.
Metra says it has reduced train schedules for Friday due to the severe weather and published alternate schedules on its website.