Chicago area schools announce closings, e-learning for Tuesday due to cold weather
CHICAGO (CBS) — Some Chicago area schools have announced either closures or moves to e-learning for Tuesday as the dangerous cold weather is expected to last through mid-week.
Cold weather advisories remain in effect until 2 p.m. on Tuesday and extreme cold warnings for western suburbs last until noon. Early Tuesday morning, wind chill readings ranged from -20 to -35 degrees, with colder wind chills for areas north and west of the city.
The Emergency Closing Center lists closures and delays for a number of area schools, businesses, daycare centers, and other organizations.
A number of warming stations have been opened as a cold weather alert takes effect.
If you need transportation to a shelter, the Salvation Army's Shuttle of Hope can make that happen.
The Salvation Army Freedom Center in Humboldt Park opened its doors on Sunday to serve as a shelter and warming center.
While one side serves as a shelter with 100 cots, the other side serves as a warming center. Those who turn to the shelter are provided three hot meals a day.
Those spearheading the effort said they're all out of beds, but still encourage people to come inside to get warm.
"We recently got up to capacity. Of course, we got more requests for shelter since it got a little bit colder outside. So now we've hit our mark at about 100 beds, but we also have a warming side on the other side of the building as well. So people can come in and get warm for a good couple of hours or so," said Salvation Arm director of business operations Andrew Ward.
Chicago also has dozens of public buildings that serve as warming centers during the day, including public libraries, Chicago Park District facilities, City Colleges, senior centers, and police district stations.
To find the closest available warming centers and operating hours near you, call 311, check online at 311.chicago.gov, or download the Chicago OEMC app. If you're concerned about a relative or neighbor during this cold snap, you can also call 311 to have the city conduct a well-being check. If you can't reach 311 directly on your cell phone, you can call 312-744-5000.
Check back for the latest updates.
