Live blog: Unit 5, ISU and Heartland CC are closed Tuesday due to frigid weather

Unit 5 schools announced Monday it would cancel classes on Tuesday due to forecasted temperatures and wind chills. The district has scheduled a traditional weather day with no e-learning.

Illinois State University announced all classes will be canceled Tuesday. The university said residence halls and residential dining centers will remain open. All other campus buildings will be closed.

Heartland Community College also canceled all classes for Tuesday.

Cancellations for Tuesday, Jan. 16:
Illinois State University
Heartland Community College

Bloom Community School, Normal
Calvary Christian Academy, Normal
Central Catholic High School, Bloomington
Cornerstone Christian Academy, Bloomington
LeRoy School District
McLean County Unit 5 (no practices, activities or games before 3 p.m.)

E-learning day for Tuesday, Jan 16:
Bloomington District 87
Blue Ridge
Heyworth
Lexington
Olympia
Ridgeview
Tri-Valley

Other closings for Tuesday, Jan. 16:
Normal Township office and Normal Township ARC (Activity and Recreation Center)

A wind chill warning remains in effect for McLean County until noon Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service, wind chill values will range between 15 and 25 degrees below zero.

Some parts of McLean County saw wind chills plunge to 43 below zero early Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln says there was a -43 wind chill report in Towanda around 6 a.m. Sunday. Other wind chill reports were from Bloomington, Carlock and Colfax, all at -42 early Sunday.

A wind chill warning is in effect until noon Tuesday, according to NWS. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

A wind chill warning goes into effect for McLean County at 6 p.m. Saturday through 3 p.m. Sunday.

The National Weather Service in Lincoln warns that Bloomington-Normal could see dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero during the warning period. The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Separately, there's also a wind chill watch in effect from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday morning.

Sunday's high in Bloomington-Normal is expected to be around 1 degree, and 3 degrees Monday and Tuesday.

As temperatures and wind chills are expected to drop below zero each night from Saturday through Tuesday, several Bloomington-Normal businesses and nonprofits plan to open their doors as warming centers.

• Bloomington Public Library
• Connect Transit bus (parking lot of the McLean County Health Department)
• Denny’s (both Bloomington-Normal locations)
• Home Sweet Home Ministries (The Junction)
• Meijer
• Normal Public Library
• Project Oz
• Salvation Army
• Uptown Staton
• Walmart (both Bloomington-Normal locations)

The interactive map is available here.

The National Weather Service has revised its snowfall forecast for Bloomington-Normal, down to between 2 and 3 inches. That's what's expected from late Thursday to Friday night.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is asking drivers to think twice before heading out during Friday's snowstorm.

Slick and slippery conditions, reduced visibility, subzero wind chills and much longer travel times are expected.

“Before heading out during any severe weather event, always ask yourself: Is this trip necessary or can it be postponed?” Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said in a statement. “The team at IDOT will be out in force, but the public should be prepared for extremely difficult travel these next few days. Expect trips to take much longer than usual and please make sure you are ready should your vehicle break down.”

Tips if you must travel:

• Check current road conditions 24/7 at GettingAroundIllinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.
• Check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your travel route and schedule.
• Fill up your tank or fully charge your vehicle and pack winter weather essentials, such as a cellphone charger, warm clothes, blankets, food, water, first-aid kit, washer fluid and ice scraper.
• Use extra caution in areas susceptible to icing, including ramps, bridges, curves and shaded areas. Watch for black ice. A road may appear clear but can be extremely slippery.
• Give them distance. Obey the Move Over law by slowing down and changing lanes when approaching ANY stopped vehicle.
• Always wear a seat belt. It’s the law and your best protection in the event of a crash.
• Drop it and drive. Put down the mobile devices. This, too, is the law.
• If you are involved in a crash, remain inside your vehicle. Exiting your vehicle near a busy road can have fatal consequences.

Bloomington-Normal should expect between 3 and 4 inches of snow starting late Thursday through Friday night, according to the National Weather Service. And then bitter cold arrives.

A winter weather advisory is in effect from midnight Thursday until 6 a.m. Saturday. Areas of blowing snow (with gusts as high as 45 mph) could significantly reduce visibility. Drivers should plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning or evening commute, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures are expected to plunge quickly over the weekend. Bloomington-Normal's forecast calls for a high of 18 degrees Saturday, 4 degrees Sunday and 3 degrees on Monday. Nighttime wind chill values between -17 and -22 degrees will arrive as early as Saturday night, lasting through Tuesday.