Dangerously Cold Temps and More Snow On the Way for the Weekend

As if 11 inches or so of snow entering 2014 was not enough seasonal weather to contend with, Old Man Winter is adding a frosty touch of dangerously cold temperatures.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for blowing and drifting snow from 4 p.m. Friday through 9 a.m. Saturday, with wind gusts near 35 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service. 

More snow is expected over the weekend, beginning Saturday night, and temperatures will plummet from 30 degrees on Saturday to highs of just 12 degrees Sunday. Expect a high of just -8 degrees Monday. The bitter cold continues on Tuesday, with a predicted high of just -2 degrees.

Wednesday's high is expected to hit 16 degrees before moving to near 29 on Thursday.

Combined with the winds, the frigid temperatures could be dangerous, and if you have to venture outside, take steps to stay warm with a ski mask or scarf and gloves. If you will be on the road, make sure you have a blanket, cellphone, charger and flashlight, and make sure someone knows where you are going.

Snow Removal in Elmhurst

Word of the pending Arctic blast came as the Chicago region was digging out from a “snow event” that began on New Year's Eve. Elmhurst Public Works Department responded with salt trucks and plowing from about 2 p.m. through midnight Tuesday. Snow resumed on New Year’s Day and continued virtually non-stop until Thursday afternoon. 

"A full plowing operation resumed early New Year’s Day and has continued throughout the snow event; employing the use of two 12-hour shifts to provide 24-hour service," according to a statement from the City of Elmhurst on Thursday.

It was anticipated the side streets would all be clear by midnight Thursday, and the snow on the downtown streets would be removed by 6 a.m. Friday. 

But more snow is on the way. 

The city is asking residents not to shovel or blow snow into the streets and to place snow from their driveways on the right side of the drive (as viewed from the house) when removing snow at the curb.