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Chicago's Extreme Cold Could Hamper Morning Commutes

By  Alex Parker  and Darryl Holliday | January 26, 2014 7:50pm 

 Commuters wait for an "L" train during a January cold front. Monday's commute could be hampered by the expected frigid temperatures.
Commuters wait for an "L" train during a January cold front. Monday's commute could be hampered by the expected frigid temperatures.
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Scott Olson/Getty Images

CHICAGO — The return of a blast of arctic weather to the Chicago area could make for a slow commute Monday.

Metra warned riders of likely delays ahead of the work week and the below-zero wind chills that it is expected to bring.

"Cold weather often leads to slower boarding and we therefore expect station stops to be longer than usual," the agency said, adding it is using "all possible measures available to combat extraordinary weather conditions, beyond our control, that could create unanticipated delays or service disruptions."

Gov. Pat Quinn warned residents to travel only if necessary and to drive with extreme caution.

“As we head into another bout of extreme winter weather, our public safety workers are working around the clock to keep people safe while keeping roads open for those who must travel," he said.

CTA officials said no delays were expected, but urged riders to check for regular updates on the agency's website, at "L" and bus stops, and on Twitter.

Amtrak's schedule has been modified due to the weather, a spokesman said.

Monday's high is expected to be 6 degrees below zero, said AccuWeather meteorologist Andrew Baglini. The National Weather Service has put the Chicago area under a winter chill warning, and predicts wind chills of 30 below to 45 below zero Monday.

The area could see high winds of up to 45 mph and up to an inch of snow tonight, the National Weather Service. A winter weather advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. Monday. A winter chill warming is in effect until Wednesday morning.

That prompted Chicago Public Schools to cancel school Monday. City Colleges of Chicago followed suit, and other organizations, such as the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, are closed Monday.