Quinn: Winter Storm Will Be ‘One for the Record Books'

Gov. Pat Quinn encouraged Illinois residents to take extra precautions as a winter storm continues to blast through the area, bringing several inches of snow and dangerously cold temperatures.

"This winter storm will be one for the record books, and we want to make sure everyone stays safe and warm until it passes,” Quinn said in a statement. “State crews continue working around the clock to keep residents safe and to respond to any emergency situations that may occur."

The National Weather Service forecasts historically cold temperatures throughout Illinois just after heavy snow blanketed much of the state.

Monday's high is forecast at -11 degrees, which would mark the lowest high temperature in Chicago's history.

A Wind Chill Warning was issued for much of the metropolitan area, warning of wind chills between -40 and -50.

Residents can seek shelter from the cold by going to one of the state's more than 100 warming centers, Illinois Tollway Oases or Illinois Department of Human Services offices.

Heavy and drifting snow has made travel extremely hazardous throughout the state. The Illinois Department of Transportation has nearly 3,700 employees and 1,755 trucks deployed statewide to address the winter weather on state routes, while the Illinois Tollway has 200 staff and 182 snow plows on duty in response to the weather

Officials at O'Hare International Airport said more than 1,200 flights were canceled Sunday and several delays were reported due to icing issues.

Midway Airport said more than 60 flights were canceled and customers should check with their airline before heading to the airport.

The Chicago Transit Authority said Red, Purple, Orange, Blue and Yellow trains were experiencing delays due to the inclement weather causing track-switching problems.

Illinois State Police said they handled nearly two dozen crashes Sunday morning and responded to several cars in ditches statewide.

ISP warned drivers that road conditions are expected to "deteriorate" Sunday night and into Monday morning.

The Kane County Sheriff's Office warned residents that road conditions were "deteriorating rapidly" Sunday.

"The higher winds are starting to cause roads to drift over and become impassable," Lieutenant Pat Gengler said in a statement.

Route 38 between Elburn and Maple Park was closed Sunday afternoon due to drifting snow causing the roads to be impassable, Gengler said.

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