Suburban schools announcing Thursday closings due to cold

A predicted deep freeze overnight has area school districts again discussing how cold is too cold to attend school — with many Wednesday evening calling it off Thursday.

A wind chill advisory continues remains in effect for the suburbs. Temperatures this morning are below zero throughout the suburbs with wind chill readings as low as 30 below zero.

Schools throughout the suburbs, including some in Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Des Plaines, Palatine and Arlington Heights, as well as all Chicago Public Schools will be closed.

In Waukegan, public schools will start two hours later than normal and then dismiss at normal times.

Arlington Heights Park District activities are canceled until 1 p.m.

In Hinsdale District 86, an email from Superintendent Bruce Law went out to parents discussing the forecast and explaining the district's policies regarding the cold, saying any decision will come by 5:30 a.m. Thursday at the latest.

For a full list of closings, visit the Emergency Closing Center website.

The weather affected downtown Mount Prospect. ComEd said power was out there for about 10 minutes, and 520 customers were affected.

A wind chill advisory happens when expected temperatures and breezy winds combine to predicted lows of between minus 20 and minus 30 degrees.

Experts say frost bite can happen in a matter of minutes on exposed skin, and extended exposure without proper clothing can increase risk of hypothermia.