A polar vortex, a blistering-cold band of arctic winds, has descended upon Chicago with wind chills of -56F (-48C). Much of the US midwest is currently in the grip of a brutal deep freeze which has so far killed six people. In Chicago, which is bearing the brunt of the worst weather, the mercury dropped to -31C (-24F) in the west of the city at 5am local time. The current record for the coldest temperature in Chicago is -33C (-27F).
All public schools and city colleges were closed as meteorologists warned exposed skin could develop frostbite and hypothermia “within minutes”.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel tweeted: “Please avoid the outdoors. If you have to go out, dress in multiple layers. Cover your nose and mouth to protect your lungs from the cold. Call 311 to locate a warming center.”
Pets COULD DIE
Weather forecasters are stressing it is not only humans at risk – four-legged friends, such as dogs and cats, are also in danger.
NBC Storm Team 5 meteorologist Andy Avalos warned: “It may look beautiful out there but if you don’t have to go outside today, don’t.
“Despite the blue sky and sunshine, it is bitter and it is dangerous and potentially life-threatening so these dangerous conditions will be with us all day long.
“It is windy and bitterly cold, wind chill values are -45 to 55, they can lead to frostbite and hypothermia in just a matter of minutes to any exposed skin not only to you but for your pets as well.
“So remember you want to limit your time outside, same for your animals.
“Never leave them outside in this kind of weather, they rely and depend on you to keep them safe, bring them indoors.
“If you must take them out for a walk, make it a short one and cover their paws when they are out cos of the extreme cold.
“And if they were to step in any salt or chemicals that will really irritate their paws so look out for them.”
The bitter snap has even forced Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo to shut until Thursday.
The zoo – housing African lions, camels, zebras and reptiles – is usually open 365 days a year.
Meanwhile, thousands of flights were cancelled in and out of Chicago O’Hare and Chicago Midway international airports.
Amtrak halted all of its train services while the US postal service ground to a halt in parts of Chicago and other states.
Police stations were opened as safe refuges and five city buses were turned into mobile warming centres for homeless people.
The freezing weather is set to last for another day, with meteorologists warning temperatures could be even colder tomorrow.