Snowfall Totals In As Extreme Cold Moves Into Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — Several inches of snow fell in the Chicago area Wednesday night into Thursday. Some towns received nearly 5 inches of snow, while others saw around 3 inches. Snowfall totals have been submitted to the National Weather Service for several towns in the area, including:

• Peotone, Will County, 4.8 inches
• Lynwood, Cook County, 4.8 inches
• Glen Ellyn, DuPage County, 4 inches
• Manhattan, Will County, 4 inches
• New Lenox, Will County, 4 inches
• Hoffman Estates, Cook County, 3.9 inches
• Romeoville, Will County, 3.8 inches
• Lisle, DuPage County, 3.8 inches
• Naperville, DuPage County, 3.5 inches
• Homer Glen, Will County, 3.5 inches
• Lemont, Cook County, 3.5 inches
• Joliet, Will County, 3.4 inches
• Aurora, Kane County, 3.2 inches
• Mokena, Will County, 3.1 inches
• Chicago Ridge, Cook County, 2.9 inches
• Clarendon Hills, DuPage County, 2.5 inches
• Oak Lawn, Cook County, 1.9 inches

Now that the snow is over, temperatures are already dropping and wind chills below zero are expected Thursday night, according to the weather service. Friday morning lows could get down to 12 below zero, with wind chills of -10 to -20 degrees. The freezing temperatures will be the lowest since winter 2019.

When temps are this cold, the weather service said to dress in layers and cover exposed skin; know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia; and bring pets indoors.

The Will County Emergency Management Agency offers these tips for staying safe in extreme cold.

Extreme Cold Safety Tips

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
• Wear mittens instead of gloves.
• Wear water-repellent clothing.
• Wear a hat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Make sure small children, infants, and the elderly stay warm. They are more vulnerable to the cold.
• Take advantage of warming centers, public park facilities, and heated stores and malls.
• Where possible, try to keep one room in your home heated to 68-70 degrees.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Eat high energy foods and drink warm beverages.
• Beware of overexertion; shoveling snow or pushing disabled cars can be very strenuous and should only be done by individuals in good health.
• Safe heating tips
• Electric heaters can be hazardous and should be used with caution to prevent shock, fire, and burns. Follow the usage instructions carefully and keep clothing and blankets away from heating elements.
• Carbon monoxide can kill. Be careful using fireplaces; make sure flues are clear and properly ventilated.
• Gas ovens, burners, and charcoal should never be used to heat your home.
• NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.

Safe Use of the Car in Cold Weather

• Make sure your car is in good operating condition before using it in extreme cold.
• Keep condensation (water) out of your gas tank by keeping the tank as full as possible.
• Maintain a storm kit in your car with items such as a cell phone and charger; blankets; extra clothing; jumper cables; a flashlight; high-calorie, non-perishable food; and matches or a lighter.
• Plan your trip carefully. If cold, snowy, or icy conditions exceed your ability or your car's ability, don't travel.
• Tell someone about your travel plans.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.