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Dear John,
in effect until noon on Friday, January 23. The Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC) will work closely with the NWS Chicago to monitor weather conditions 24/7 and will alert the public if conditions worsen. It’s important for residents to be prepared, take safety precautions, and utilize city services and resources.
WHAT: Dangerously cold wind chills as low as -30° to -40° below possible.
WHEN: From late Thursday, January 22 night through Friday, January 23 at noon CST, but the weather after that will still be dangerously cold
IMPACTS: The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
WHAT TO DO: Stay indoors; if you must go outside, dress in several layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves. Check on older family, friends, and neighbors; residents can contact 3-1-1 for a well-being check. Keep pets indoors.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has sent out an alert cancelling all classes for Friday, January 23. All after-school programming, including athletic practices and games, are also canceled for Friday. There will be no remote learning for students on Friday, January 23. All CPS buildings will also be closed. Classes will resume for all students on Monday, January 26. NOTE: All activities, including athletic practices and games, will proceed as scheduled on Saturday, January 24.
Warming Centers will be available from Wednesday, January 21 – Friday, January 23. These are the ones closest to the 32nd Ward, but you can find the .
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(9am-5pm)
- North Area Community Service Center - 845 West Wilson Avenue
- Trina Davila Community Service Center - 4312 West North Avenue
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(8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
- Levy Senior Center - 2019 W. Lawrence Avenue
- Copernicus) Senior Center - 3160 N. Milwaukee Avenue
- North Center Senior Satellite - 4040 N. Oakley
- West Town/Logan Square Satellite Senior Center - 1615 West Chicago Ave
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(regular library hours)
- Bucktown Wicker Park Library - 1701 N Milwaukee Ave
- Lincoln Belmont - 1659 W Melrose St
- West Town - 1625 W Chicago Ave
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(regular hours)
- Hamlin Park - 3035 N Hoyne Ave
- Holstein Park - 2200 N Oakley Ave,
- Wicker Park Bucktown - 1425 N Damen Ave
- Wrightwood Park - 2534 N Greenview Ave
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(regular hours)
- Wilbur Wright - 4300 N Narragansett Ave
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(24 hours)
- 14th - 2150 North California Ave
- 18th - 1160 North Larrabee Ave
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19th - 850 West Addison St
Warming Centers available on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25
Cold-Weather Tips
- Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have necessary supplies on-the-go. Keep in mind, disabled vehicles or distracted driving can cause accidents, impact traffic and others or requiring emergency services.
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Residents should know the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia. For Winter preparation information, visit for details and links to other local, state, and federal resources.
- Avoid unnecessary trips outside. If you must go out, limit the time you stay outside.
- Wear several layers of loose, warm cloth.
- Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoors.
- Stay dry because moisture can damage the insulation effectiveness of clothing.
- Pay extra attention to your daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high energy foods, drink warm beverages to help your body stay warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages.
For additional Winter preparedness tips,
Chicago Department of Water Management
reminds residents to prevent frozen pipes- make sure that warm air is circulating throughout the home and keep a trickle of water running. If pipes freeze, do not use candles or any open flame to thaw them. Use a hair dryer or heating pad. For more info visit
Chicago Animal Care and Control
reminds residents that winter brings bitter cold and numbing wetness, so let’s help our pets stay safe and warm. Indoor cats are always safer indoors, and dogs should only be outside for exercise when temperatures drop. Short-haired dogs, puppies, seniors, and indoor cats should never be left outside without supervision, regardless of the season. Short-coated dogs may also be more comfortable wearing a sweater or coat on winter walks.
Residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App for safety and preparedness tips, weather information and alerts, DSS Snowplow Tracker and. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar and public safety information as well. Download the app through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit, .
Severe cold temperatures, strong winds and snow can cause additional hazards, whether home or traveling, so it’s important to stay informed. OEMC issues several alerts and notifications to keep people up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.
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Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at
- CHILAKE: For lakefront notices including flooding, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
- CHIBIZ: Business updates, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3
Be safe and stay warm!
Alderman Scott Waguespack
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