Snow Cancels School In Lake County Ahead Of Extreme Freeze

With a winter storm warning in place through the evening commute and heavy snow accumulation anticipated across the north suburbs, nearly all school districts in Lake County — including Deerfield, Highland Park and Lake Forest — will be closed.

The highest overnight snow accumulation is forecast closer to the Wisconsin border, with 4 to 10 inches possible through the morning. Freezing drizzle and light snow is expected through the rest of the day.

See full list of school closings

Blowing snow during Monday's morning and evening commute is expected to limit visibility and slow travel. Drivers have been urged to slow down, increase following distances and only pass snow plows when safe to do so.

Lake County traffic closures, live camera updates

Extreme cold is forecast to follow the snow, as temperatures — after nearing the freezing point Monday morning — are anticipated to drop significantly during the rest of the week to the lowest levels since 1996, according to the National Weather Service.

By Tuesday night, it could be as cold as 20 to 30 degrees below zero, with potentially life-threatening wind chills of between 40 and 55 degrees below zero through Thursday morning.

With such a prolonged period of sub-zero temperatures, residents have been advised to take steps to prevent frozen pipes. Closing off drafty areas, opening cabinet doors under sinks, and running a small trickle for water from the most elevated faucet in the home can help prevent pipes from cracking and bursting.

Local warming centers are available in the following locations:

Highland Park Police Department, 1677 Old Deerfield Road, is open to residents as a warming center 24 hours per day. Cots have been setup at the Police Department for anyone seeking relief from the cold weather. Pets may be brought to the Police Department but must be crated.

Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Avenue West, is open to residents as a warming center during the following hours:
Wednesday and Thursday - 5 AM through 9:45 PM
Friday - 5 AM through 7:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday - 6:30 AM through 7:30 PM

Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Avenue, is open to residents as a warming center during the following hours:
Monday through Thursday - 9 AM through 9 PM
Friday - 9 AM through 6 PM
Saturday - 9 AM through 5 PM
Sunday - 1 PM through 5 PM
Highland Park City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue, is open to residents as a warming center 8AM through 5 PM Monday through Friday.

Lake Forest Recreation Center, 400 Hastings Road
847.234.6700 (Open 7 days a week until 8 p.m.)
Dickinson Hall, 100 E. Old Mill Road; 847.234.2209 (open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Lake Forest Tollway Oasis - Warming-Cooling Cente
13783 West Oasis Service RoadLake Forest, IL 60045(847) 604-9203