Currents News Staff
The upper midwest and the northeast are used to cold temperatures during this time of year, but typically, not this cold.
From Minnesota and Michigan, all the way to New York and Maine, sub-zero temperatures, and wind-chills as low as 50 to 60 degrees below zero, have brought much of the region to a stand-still.
“The extreme cold makes it hard to make the roads safe, because literally as fast as we are melting the ice, it is re-freezing,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The U.S. Postal Service was forced to suspend deliveries in several states, and the Red Cross is calling for emergency blood donations.
And first responders, including firefighters in Chicago, are met with additional challenges when it comes to doing their jobs.
“Equipment freezing up, we’ve got ladders that are frozen, we’ve got hose that’s frozen,” said Chicago Fire Deputy District Chief Jack Nagel.
Not to mention the threat of hypothermia.
But for those braving the freezing temps, relief is on the way. Temperatures in Chicago could jump from -25 this week, all the way up to the low 50’s by Monday. A winter-weather whiplash that will be welcomed by all.