Chicago weather forecast today: Classes canceled at Park Ridge Maine South High School after pipe bursts in cold; snow expected

CHICAGO (WLS) — The frigid weather in the Chicago area is causing some pipes to burst and water mains to break.

Classes are canceled Wednesday for Maine South High School in Park Ridge, after a sprinkler line water pipe burst before the school day started.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Students are being allowed to stay in common areas of the school for the day.

Parents have the flexibility to pick up their children from school at any time. Additionally, the school administration is currently exploring the possibility of arranging for buses to pick up students before the usual dismissal time.

Water flooded the intersection near Western Avenue and Jackson Boulevard Tuesday, turning it into an ice rink, as crews worked to fix the break.

There’s also a water main break between the 2600- and 2800-block of Highland Avenue in Berwyn.

Wind chills were well below zero Wednesday morning.

A cold advisory ended at midnight Wednesday, but snow is expected in the afternoon and evening, with temperatures in the low 20s.

Weather forecasts predict a light snowfall ranging from a dusting to about an inch, with certain areas potentially experiencing up to 2 inches of snow. While this amount may not seem significant, it is adequate to cause slippery conditions on the roads throughout the day, particularly on Wednesday evening.

A deep freeze has settled over the Chicago area, with wind chills plunging well below zero and causing dangerous conditions for anyone outside.

The city of Chicago has opened warming centers for the extreme cold. Residents can also call 311 for more information about warming centers.

School Closings: Chicago Area Complete List

During extremely cold weather, it takes less than 10 minutes for frostbite to occur on exposed skin. To safeguard against this risk, it is advisable for individuals to wear warm coats, hats, and gloves when venturing outside. Connor Smith, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Bismarck, emphasized the importance of minimizing outdoor exposure time under such harsh weather conditions.

Warning signs of frostbite include numbness, pale or waxy skin, redness or pain.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends immediately getting out of the cold and into a warmer environment if this occurs. Avoid rubbing the frostbitten area or walking on frostbitten feet or toes, as this can cause more damage. Instead, put the frostbitten areas in warm – not hot – water. If this is not available, use body heat from other parts of the body to warm the area, such as by placing frostbitten hands or fingers in an armpit. Do not use heating pads or heat from a stove, as the affected areas may easily burn.

People with asthma, chronic lung disease, or other respiratory conditions or illnesses are at higher risk when temperatures drop because cold, dry air irritates the airways, said Dr. Haitham Khraishah, a preventive cardiologist at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute and an assistant professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

This leads to greater inflammation and causes muscles around the airways to constrict, which can lead to wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath or a burning feeling in the chest, especially during exertion.

AP News contributed to this report.

Cook County Radar | DuPage County Radar | Will County Radar | Lake County Radar (IL) | Kane County Radar | Northwest Indiana Radar


Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Illegal immigrant who allegedly escaped Colorado ICE site during power outage captured on bus

Undocumented migrant reportedly caught after fleeing Colorado ICE facility during power loss

The second illegal immigrant who allegedly escaped from a Colorado detention center…
Nevada girl, 7, killed in Lake Tahoe ski resort boulder accident: police

Tragic Accident: 7-Year-Old Girl Dies in Boulder Incident at Lake Tahoe Ski Resort, Confirm Police

A 7-year-old Nevada girl died after being struck by a falling boulder…
2 Jewish students file lawsuit against Chicago's DePaul University for negligence after Lincoln Park campus attack

Lawsuit Filed by 2 Jewish Students Against DePaul University for Negligence Following Attack on Lincoln Park Campus

CHICAGO (WLS) — Max Long and Michael Kaminsky were blindsided in an…
Karen Read jury selection: Dozens in pool already have an opinion on the case

“Karen Reviewing Jury Selection: Many Candidates Already Formed Opinions on the Case”

Jury selection began on Tuesday for the second trial of Karen Read,…
Terrifying tornado outbreak across America's heartland as six states are issued very rare weather warning

Unusual weather warning issued for six states as terrifying tornado outbreak strikes America’s heartland

Numerous tornadoes ripped through the Midwest on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction…
'Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld' brings back legendary bounty hunter and former Sith assassin 

‘Revisit the Legendary Bounty Hunter in “Star Wars: Stories from the Underworld”‘

LOS ANGELES — Are you a fan of Star Wars and looking…
National Burrito Day 2025: How to score free food from Chipotle, QDOBA, Moe's, and more

How to get free food from Chipotle, QDOBA, Moe’s, and other restaurants on National Burrito Day 2025

Fans nationwide can celebrate National Burrito Day at one of several beloved…
‘Bosch: Legacy’ Season 3 Episode 1 Recap: Back in Bosch-ness

Recap of Episode 1 from Season 3 of ‘Bosch: Legacy’ – Returning to the World of Bosch

In the first season of “Bosch: Legacy,” Maddie Bosch, portrayed by Madison…
Karen Schepers case: Family thanks community for help in solving 1983 Elgin cold case: 'Miracles do happen'

The Schepers Family Expresses Gratitude to Community for Solving 1983 Elgin Cold Case

ELGIN, Ill. (WLS) — The family of Karen Schepers is speaking out…
Israeli military operation in Gaza expanding to seize 'large areas': 'Expanding to crush and clean the area'

– Israeli Military Operation in Gaza: Expansion to Secure Large Areas

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced an expansion of the military offensive…
Suspected California Walgreens killer had 'grudge' against pharmacies, police say

Police indicate that the individual suspected of the Walgreens shooting in California harbored resentment towards pharmacies.

The suspected gunman who opened fire inside a California Walgreens on Tuesday…
Measles outbreak: Medical experts warn against giving children Vitamin A as substitute for MMR vaccine

Medical professionals caution against using Vitamin A instead of the MMR vaccine for children during measles outbreak

HOUSTON, Texas — Medical experts are discussing a new concern related to…