Above / Since we began tracking today’s outdoor temperature at 5:30AM when our indoor thermometer read -21.2 , followed at 7:19AM by -22.9, it’s beginning to warm a bit. Just before 11AM it was -17.5 degrees. The only constant has been 34 percent humidity, which is a little low. Looking out our kitchen window, we’ve been absolutely blown away by all the birds out back, flying from tree to tree in the gusty wind. Yet, for now, it’s too frigid to take our camera outside to capture the scene. Be safe and warm and hydrated.
Update on sub-zero weather in Naperville, Illinois: 10AM, Wed., Jan. 30, 2019.
The wind chill in Naperville is currently -47F. Residents are reminded to take precautions to protect themselves and loved ones throughout the duration of this unprecedented and life-threatening cold weather.
If possible, stay indoors!
Wind chills this cold can freeze exposed skin in as little as five minutes. If you must go outdoors, limit your time and dress in layers with hats, scarves, face masks, and mittens or gloves.
Below is important information regarding service changes due to the cold, as well as important tips to keep you and your loved ones safe during this time. For an extensive list of cold weather tips and resources, please visit www.naperville.il.us/severecold.
Changes to Garbage and Recycling
As a reminder, garbage and recycling collection has been canceled for both today, Jan. 30, and tomorrow, Jan. 31. Collection will resume as follows:
Garbage: Residents with Wednesday, Thursday and Friday garbage collection should place their garbage containers at the curb by 6AM on Friday, February 1. Crews will work to complete collection in these areas by the afternoon of Saturday, February 2.
Recycling: Residents with Wednesday collection will not receive pick up this week, but will be allowed extra containers next week. Collection for Thursday and Friday residents will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week with Thursday collection taking place on Friday and Friday collection taking place on Saturday.
The Electronics Recycling Center at the City’s Environmental Collection Campus is closed both today and tomorrow, and the Recycling Drop-Off Center is closed today. In addition, the Naperville Police Department will not be offering fingerprinting services to residents today.
Traffic Alerts
Due to a water main break, the westbound lanes of Ogden Avenue between Washington and Mill streets are currently experiencing icy conditions. Eastbound lanes are currently unaffected. Public Works crews have treated this area extensively; however, due to the dangerously cold temperatures, road salt is ineffective, and the roadway remains icy. Traffic control is in place. Motorists are asked to use extreme caution and avoid the area if possible. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing until this weekend, which means this area could remain ice-covered until that time.
Frozen Pipes
It is important to take precautions to prevent pipes from freezing in your home. The City has assembled a list of tips to assess and treat frozen pipes at www.naperville.il.us/severecold. If you turn on your faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, that could be a sign that you have a frozen pipe. If a frozen pipe bursts in your home, you should shut off your water service at the main shut-off valve and contact a licensed plumber.
Residents who notice weaker than normal water pressure with no signs of frozen pipes or have no water should contact City Dispatch at (630) 420-6187.
Safety Reminders
- Both DuPage and Will counties maintain lists of facilities that act as warming centers during periods of extreme cold. Please contact the facilities before utilizing them to ensure they are open.
- This weather is deadly to animals if left outdoors. Bring your pets indoors. If you see an animal outdoors in distress, contact Naperville Animal Control at (630) 420-6178.
- This cold weather will lead to black ice on roadways, parking lots and sidewalks. Residents are advised to travel only if necessary. If you must travel, drive slow, pay close attention to road conditions, and be prepared for the possibility of encountering black ice. Remember, road salt becomes ineffective at these temperatures.
- If you are concerned about a love one’s well-being during this time, contact the Naperville Police Department at (630) 420-6666 to arrange for a non-emergency wellness check.
Future communications on this unprecedented weather event will be issued at 6PM today, Jan. 30, and 10AM on Thursday, Jan. 31.
6PM, Jan. 30 / Updates & Reminders as deep freeze continues thru Thursday
- Due to the cold weather, the north elevator in the Van Buren Parking Deck is currently out of service and will not be operational until temperatures rise. Other elevators at that location are operational at this time.
- Due to a water main break, the westbound lanes of Ogden Avenue between Washington and Mill streets are experiencing icy conditions. Public Works crews have treated this area extensively; however, due to the cold temperatures, road salt is ineffective, and the roadway remains icy. Motorists are asked to use extreme caution, follow all traffic controls in place or avoid the area if possible.
- Garbage and recycling collection has been canceled for tomorrow, Jan. 31. Please visit www.naperville.il.us/severecold to view collection details and instructions for the rest of the week.
- The Electronics Recycling Center at the City’s Environmental Collection Campus will remain closed tomorrow.
- The City has assembled a list of tips to assess and treat frozen pipes at www.naperville.il.us/severecold. Residents who notice weaker than normal water pressure with no signs of frozen pipes or have no water should contact City Dispatch at (630) 420-6187.
- If you must travel, drive slow, pay close attention to road conditions, and be prepared for the possibility of encountering black ice. Remember, road salt becomes ineffective at these temperatures.
- If you are concerned about a love one’s well-being during this time, contact the Naperville Police Department at (630) 420-6666 to arrange for a non-emergency wellness check.
Submitted by Kate Schultz for the City of Naperville.
2019 Naperville Restaurant Week extended until Feb. 6
Christine Jeffries, President, Naperville Development Partnership, has announced for Dine Naperville that in response to the PV (Polar Vortex), Naperville Restaurant Week will be extended for three more days beyond Feb. 3. Restaurant Week is now happening through Wed., Feb. 6. For more information, visit www.dinenaperville.com.
Nutritionist touts importance of staying hydrated in frigid cold
“It remains important to stay hydrated even when we are indoors during these frigid cold temps,” said Patty Minta, RD, LDN, Nutrition and Wellness Consulting, writer of a monthly column in Positively Naperville. “Our heat is running non-stop which dries out our body through our skin and our bodies need adequate water for digestion. Hot tea, hot soups and regular water are all great ways to stay hydrated in the cold!”
DuPagePads remains open 24 hours for needs of homeless during subzero weather
WHEATON, IL – This week and especially today, DuPagePads remains open 24 hours. Providing seamless shelter, safety and support; partnering with volunteers, congregations, police and fire departments, and area hospitals, DuPagePads is insuring that people who are homeless in DuPage County are safe and warm.
The Street Outreach team is working with local police departments to help get unsheltered people in our County out of the cold and to shelter. The community is asked to call the local police department (In Naperville, it’s (630) 420-6666.) to report any unsheltered homeless individuals.
The DuPagePads Client Service Center is a Warming Site for people who are homeless in the county. This week the Center is opening at 7AM and remains open until all clients are transported to the overnight sites and back to the Client Service Center the following morning. According to Jen Coyer, Director of the DuPagePads Client Service Center, “we are seeing families with children under five years old, a man just walked in with icicles in his beard and possible frostbite. Our biggest concern is keeping everyone safe and warm during one of the coldest weeks in decades.”
For information, call DuPagePads at (630) 682-3846 or visit www.dupagepads.org.
