Chicago braces for weekend of extreme cold, wind chills could reach -30
Chicago weather this weekend will be frigid, with wind chills pushing temperatures below zero into the double digits.
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Laura Bannon is the weekday morning meteorologist. A native of Chicagoland, Laura grew up in Naperville. She is an Emmy-nominated meteorologist and holds her NWA Seal of Approval.
Upon graduating Neuqua Valley High, Laura attended the University of Missouri. While completing a degree in communication at Mizzou, Laura attended Mississippi State University distance program and obtained a Bachelors of Science in Geosciences.
In college, Laura landed her first on air job in Jefferson City, Missouri. Laura worked weekends at KRCG her senior year and secured her first full time broadcasting job at WBBJ in Jackson, Tennessee. From there, Laura went on to serve on weather teams in Wichita, Kansas; Dallas; Nashville; and currently Chicago, experiencing a variety of severe weather markets across the country.
Laura has covered many severe weather outbreaks. One weather event she'll never forget is the 2020 Nashville tornado. Laura was the meteorologist on duty when an EF-3 tornado ripped through downtown Nashville, killing 24 people. Laura and her team were nominated for a 2020 Emmy in the Breaking News category for their extensive coverage.
Along with the weather, one of Laura's passions is helping others with disabilities. In each of her residencies, she has volunteered at therapeutic horseback riding centers. An equestrian since a young girl, Laura uses her knowledge to assist children with physical, emotional, and behavioral disabilities learn how to ride horses. She has found it to be a life-changing experience working one on one with these children and watching their progress week after week.
After work, Laura enjoys working out, going to the gym daily, training for Cross Fit events and taking long walks outside.
Chicago weather this weekend will be frigid, with wind chills pushing temperatures below zero into the double digits.
It won't be nearly as severe as the winter storm that clobbered the Chicago area over the weekend, but more snow is coming Monday afternoon, and it has warranted a Winter Weather Advisory.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued starting Friday night for a snowstorm that could drop 10 inches or more of snow across the area this weekend.
A ground stop was instituted at O'Hare International Airport Wednesday morning, in the midst of the Thanksgiving holiday travel rush.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Northwest Indiana and the northern suburbs while much of the Chicago area has been downgraded to a Winter Weather Advisory.
RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center is hosting free mobile mammogram screening events for women ages 40 and older.
A Flood Watch was in effect for most of the area through midnight Tuesday night.
The hazy skies in the Chicago area are the visible sign of the poor air quality on Thursday as smoke from Canadian wildfires sent Chicago to the top of the list of most polluted cities in the world.
The storms can produce damaging winds and cause flooding, as one to three inches of rain are expected in some areas.
An Air Quality Alert is in effect as Canadian wildfire smoke has been blown in behind a slow-moving rain system and cold front.
Downed trees were scattered across roads and thousands were without power after a line of destructive storms hit the city.
Heavy rain that started overnight continues Thursday, bringing a risk of flooding before a round possible thunderstorms moves in.
Cold air has blasted back in as temperatures Sunday morning started out in the teens, feeling like the single digits.
Highs will be in the 50s.
Clouds increase tonight with showers, possibly by daybreak.