Watch CBS News

Chicago Area Braces For Sub-Zero Temps

(CBS) -- A blast of cold weather has the Chicago area bracing for sub-zero temperatures and dangerous wind chills.

A Wind Chill Warning goes into effect at midnight and extends until noon Thursday. Late Tuesday evening, temperatures at O'Hare were in the single digits and set to get colder.

Wednesday's high is forecast to be one degree, with a low of nine degrees below zero. Wind chills could reach as low as 30 degrees below zero.

The severe cold has led to a number of school districts canceling class for Wednesday, including Chicago Public Schools. For a full list of closings, click here.

Both the Shedd Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry will remain open Wednesday and are offering free admission for Illinois residents.

RELATED: Latest Conditions | NWS Advisory | School Closings | Chicago Plow Tracker | Flight Delays | Traffic Conditions | Metra Service Alerts | CTA Status Updates | Submit Photos/Video

If you do venture out in these bitterly cold temperatures, you need to take precautions especially against frostbite.

Doctors warn that frostbite can happen in just minutes. The combination of cold temperatures and high winds on exposed skin makes anyone out in the elements for even a short amount of time, vulnerable.

"The key is to keep your core warm the fingers, as far as frost bite goes your nose, your ears, your face -- that sort of thing," said Rush Medical Center assistant medical director Dr. Paul Casey.

CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports keeping kids frostbite free is a concern for parents like Maria Gattone, mother of Luca and Marco.

"They have about two pairs of socks, their boots, long johns," said Maria Gattone.

Layering is essential, so is minimizing skin exposure. Seven-year-old Luca sums it up best.

"You can't wear in the winter because you will get so cold," Luca said.

Like humans, experts say pets can suffer frostbite in extreme conditions in minutes.

"The most commonplace that they will get frostbite are their ears nose and tail," said veterinarian Dr. Tony Kremer.

Urban Pooch retail manager Jessie Ray says owners should consider a coat to keep their canine charges safe.

"It has fleece under the chest, which you want to keep that warm," said Ray.

Whether you drive or take public transportation, Wednesday's commute will be a dangerously cold one, reports CBS 2's Mike Parker.

The 6 p.m. Metra train arrived a little late in Northbrook, with passengers already making alternative plans for Wednesday.
"Tomorrow I am going to take the car to work so I won't freeze waiting for the bus to the train," said Peter Hasky.

"I am going to drive," said Victoria Fisher. "No train for me."

If you are planning on driving Wednesday morning, Daddio's Garage Tony Morretto has some tips

"Get your battery checked, make sure your battery is up to snuff," Moretto said. "It is kind of late to get your anti-freeze checked because if it was bad it would have froze by now."

Also consider buying a car emergency kit with among other things, jumper cables, flairs and a help warning sign. Also make sure to halve warm blankets in the car.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.