By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – We’re in for the coldest air in years, or perhaps even decades as wind combined with very low temperatures are expected to create potentially life threatening conditions.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory until 6 p.m. Tuesday, to become a more serious wind chill warning until noon on Thursday.
A wind chill warning means frostbite can occur quickly, and even hypothermia or death if precautions aren’t taken.
Chris Yates, chief meteorologist at news partner WMBD-TV, says its been a long time since temperatures have been this cold, as he told WJBC’s Scott Miller.
“Depending on the numbers Wednesday, you have to go back too 1994 or 1983, or prior to that we have to look back at the late 1800s since the last time we’ve been this cold,” said Yates.
“Your one nice coat might not be enough, you’ll need an insulating layer, a nice comfortable coat, then another layer to penetrate against the wind from your clothing,” added Yates.
Unit 5 has called off classes for Tuesday and Wednesday, while District 87 has cancelled classes for Wednesday. Illinois State University closes at 11 p.m. Tuesday and will remain shutdown until 9:30 a.m. Thursday.
All Heartland Community College locations will close at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and will remain closed until 10 a.m. Thursday.
A complete list of closings and cancellations can be found here.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at howard.packowitz.com
