Bitter cold grips area; take precautions, experts say

Freezing temperatures and windchills far below zero iced the Chicago area Wednesday night into Thursday.

The National Weather Service issued a Wind Chill Advisory until 5 a.m. today that called for wind chills between 10 and 20 degrees below zero.

Authorities said the strong winds and low temperatures could result in frostbite and hypothermia if precautions are not taken. People are urged to dress warm, using multiple layers, and wear a hat and gloves.

As of 10 p.m. Wednesday, the temperature at O’Hare was 2 degrees with a wind chill of 14 degrees below zero with temperatures expected to keep dropping each hour. In Aurora, the wind chill stood at 31 degrees below zero.

ComEd reported minimal power outages during the cold snap.

The Illinois Tollway launched its Zero Weather Road Patrols overnight to assist drivers stranded in their cars during the cold weather. The 24-hour service dedicates hourly patrols to search for motorists in disabled vehicles and responds to calls that come in through the *999 hotline, according to a release.

Earlier Wednesday, a band of snow moved through the area that caused spin outs and accidents around the suburbs.

Cold weather will continue today with temperatures reaching only 20 degrees for a high, but wind chills will still be between 5 and 15 degrees below zero.

By Friday a slight warm up will move in with highs in the upper 20s before another possible snowstorm on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Ÿ Daily Herald staff writer Melissa Silverberg contributed to this report.