After 13 days of snow, temperatures plummet in Chicago area as polar vortex cold snap begins

CHICAGO - A fresh blast of frigid arctic air sent temperatures plummeting overnight and produced dangerously cold conditions that prompted Illinois schools, cultural institutions and government buildings including courthouses to call off business for Wednesday.

All of northeast Illinois, northwest Indiana and southern Wisconsin was under a wind chill warning starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday until noon Thursday, with a wind chill advisory in effect until the warning period begins. Wednesday was expected to see air temperatures that range from minus 15 to minus 26, according to the National