Warming Centers Near Oak Forest

OAK FOREST, IL — Up to 5 inches of snow is possible for the Chicago area as another winter weather advisory is in effect on Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, the advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. Thursday until noon Friday for McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Will, Kendall, Grundy and Cook counties.

The weather service said total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches is possible, as well as winds up to 45 mph. There could be low visibility due to the snow and blowing snow, as well as snow and ice covered roads. Conditions will be hazardous during the Thursday evening commute, the weather service said, with gusty winds and blowing snow causing sharply reduced visibility.

The heaviest snowfall rates will be between 2 and 6 p.m. Thursday. And then it will get cold — really cold.

The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) opened Warming Centers as a result of the cold coming our way. Here is a list of centers around Oak Forest, provided by the county's EMRS:

• Orland Park — 14807 Ravinia Ave. Orland Park. Open 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Temperatures will be taken before entering the building, masks and social distancing will be practiced. Call (708) 403-4222 for more information.
• Palos — 1082 Roberts Rd. Palos Hills, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (708) 598-4418 for more information.
• Lemont (Township Offices) — 1115 Warner Ave. Lemont, IL 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (630) 257-2522 for more information.
• Bremen — 16361 S. Kedzie Parkway, Markham, IL. Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday Through Friday.

The county encourages residents who do not have proper heating in their homes to visit a warming center to ensure safety. See other warming centers in the Chicagoland area, here.