Subzero wind chills invade Chicagoland this weekend; Villages share tips and resources to deal with cold snap

This weekend is expected to bring the coldest stretch of weather yet this winter for the Chicago metro area.

The National Weather Service issued an alert for dangerously cold wind chills this weekend through early next week.

According to the report, the lowest wind chills are expected Saturday night through Sunday morning, as the forecast shows numbers dipping to negative 20 degrees Friday evening, negative 25 degrees on both Saturday and Sunday night, and again negative 20 degrees Monday night, Feb. 8.

Several bouts of accumulating snowfall are possible Saturday
through Tuesday, as well, the National Weather Service report says.

If there are power outages due to the inclement weather, the Village of Northfield shared on its Twitter page that its Village Hall will serve as a warming shelter.

The Village of Glencoe shared tips on preventing frozen pipes in your home, including opening cabinet doors to allow warmer air to get near the plumbing and running a trickle of water through faucets, among others.

“While public safety does respond to busted pipes to help mitigate the situation, please do your part this winter to prevent your pipes from freezing,” the website says.

Local village officials are recommending checking on elderly family, friends and neighbors to make sure their homes are heated properly and they are staying safe and warm.

Area leaders also warned of fires, which are statistically more probably amid cold weather.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some facilities that normally serve as warming centers are currently closed. If residents need a warming center, the village is asking to call the Wilmette Police Department nonemergency line at (847) 256-1200 for assistance.

New Trier High School’s Leaders 4 Change club is hosting a winter coat drive through Feb. 15 for Connections for the Homeless, the school said on Twitter.

Donation boxes are located at the Winnetka Campus entrances at Winnetka Avenue, Essex Road and Trevian Way.

Coats, gloves, hats, and all other winter items are being accepted, the school said.

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