Chicagoans head back to work facing bitter cold
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - For many people, it's back to reality Tuesday after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
You will want to have your snow boots ready! Tuesday will be mostly sunny with a high near 20 degrees, and there will be a 40 percent chance of snow after midnight.
And while it's expected to warm up later in the day, it's going to be a cold commute to school or work! The wind chills can cause frostbite to exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Commuters waiting for trains and busses Tuesday morning told FOX 32 News the key to staying warm is layering up!
"I have three pants, three jackets. It's cold but better than yesterday," one man told FOX 32's Joanie Lum.
Chicago residents seeking access to warming centers or experiencing insufficient heat should contact 3-1-1 for immediate assistance, city officials said.
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services operates six warming centers during weekdays when temps dip below 32 degrees. Additional facilities are opened as needed including Senior Centers, libraries, and Park District buildings. The following locations are open Monday through Friday, excluding holidays:
Englewood Center
1140 W. 79th Street
Chicago, IL 60620
Garfield Center
10 S. Kedzie Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612
King Center
4314 S. Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL 60653
North Area
845 W. Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
South Chicago
8650 S. Commercial Ave.
Chicago, IL 60617
Trina Davila
4357 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60639
The Illinois Tollway launched around-the-clock Zero Weather Road Patrols Sunday. The 24-hour patrols search for stranded drivers and respond to calls that come in to Illinois State Police. Drivers are advised to keep cellphones fully charged before heading out and to remain in their vehicles until help arrives if they are stranded.
There are also some special guidelines you need to follow to keep your vehicle running in these cold temps! FOX 32's Anita Padilla spoke with a woman from AAA about some important tips to keep your car running smooth in the bitter cold! Click play above for more.