Arctic Chill Has Chicago In Deep Freeze
CHICAGO (CBS) -- For the first time this winter, Chicago is waking up to the sting of below-zero temperatures and arctic wind chills.
Winter's first bitter blast sent temperatures down to 1 below zero around 6 a.m., with a wind chill as cold as 18 below overnight at O'Hare International Airport.
Monday's temperatures should reach a high of around 23 degrees. Tuesday should be even colder, with a high of only about 12.
The arctic blast of air likely will continue through Wednesday, when the high will be around 20, before a bit of a thaw at the end of the week, when temperatures will climb back into the low- to mid-30s on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
In addition to the frigid temperatures, the Chicago area could a couple inches of snow this afternoon and evening. Snow should begin falling in the mid- to late-afternoon, and taper off overnight.
According to the National Weather Service, most of the Chicago area likely will get 1-2 inches, although parts of Northwest Indiana could get 2 to 4 inches. Southwestern Michigan could get much more, with totals ranging from 6 to 8 inches along the Indiana state line, and 12 to 18 inches around Grand Rapids and Muskegon.
Meantime, Metra and the CTA were hoping to keep buses and trains running on time for commuters Monday morning.
However, several Metra lines were experiencing delays due to mechanical problems, including switch problems on the Union Pacific/North Line. Some trains on that line were delayed 20 minutes or more. Rock Island District, Milwaukee District/North Line, North Central Service, Union Pacific/Northwest Line, and Southwest Service also were reporting delays ranging from 6 to 40 minutes, largely due to equipment problems.
Metra has had many problems in the past when temperatures get this cold, because of track switches freezing. This year, Metra added metal box covers that should amplify heat, and prevent snow and ice from clogging switches. Metra added 34 switch covers and 21 heaters to keep trains running on time. It also replaced weather stripping on train cars and replaced doors as part of its winter maintenance.
For the CTA, the Orange Line was the only train line reporting problems Monday morning, as trains were running on a single track between Western and Kedzie, due to a problem with the tracks. The CTA said the issue was causing significant delays, and Orange Line Riders should consider using the #62 Archer bus as an alternative.
For those who are driving to work, if you're thinking about running outside to warm up your car before you head out, you might want to think again. Chicago police said thieves are targeting running cars left unattended by their drivers.
The city of Chicago is operating six regional warming centers. For more information on them, call 311 or click here.
