As Evanston braces for another day of sub-zero wind chills, city officials are calling on residents to seek shelter from the dangerous cold.
With predicted gusts as fast as 20 miles per hour, Wednesday’s forecasted 25-degree high will feel as low as 4 below zero, according to the National Weather Service. Sub-zero wind chill factors are also expected Thursday.
In response to the “extreme cold,” the city announced the Robert Crown Community Center, 1701 Main St., would operate as a 24-hour warming center.
The city’s three other community centers, as well as the three public libraries, will also be open during regular operating hours Wednesday for use as warming centers.
Residents who do not have transportation to a community center will be able to take a taxi at no charge Wednesday. Community center staff members will distribute coupons that will reimburse taxi drivers for providing one-way rides to a city center.
Only Evanston taxi companies can be used for coupon reimbursement.
Northwestern also put “frostbite shuttles” to use Tuesday due to the sub-zero wind chill factors.
These shuttles, which travel the usual Evanston and Campus Loop routes, run during blizzard conditions, as well as days of single-digit temperatures or negative wind chills, according to the University Services website.
— Manuel Rapada
