Megann Horstead
Content Producer
In less than 48 hours, sub-zero wintry chills will rush the northern central states and with it leaving places, such as Illinois, in survival mode.
Finding warmth and taking precautions will become key for everyone, including North Central students, faculty and staff.
Director of Media and Public Relations Ted Slowik commented on the community’s approach to wintry weather.
“We have a solid plan set,” said Slowik, who emphasized how the college collaborates among the many offices at the college to ensure preparedness.
Slowik said there’s no precipitation in the forecast and there are no plans for emergency warnings.
Nicknamed the Bomb Cyclone, a storm over the Central Plains will move northeastward to the Great Lakes by Tuesday evening.
According to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, “In order to qualify as a “bomb,” a low-pressure system must experience a pressure drop of at least 24 millibars in 24 hours.”
According to the Weather Channel’s website, the storm is predicted to last longer and have more widespread effect than other cold surges this year, and in turn, earn the rights to its nickname.
Illinois residents will remember last year’s polar vortex and how much of an impact it had on the area. Early reports made about tomorrow evening’s impending weather said precipitation was due but in time, those warnings were ruled out.
If the storm behaves as now predicted, Chicago will see sub-zero temperatures. The city last saw temperatures drop below freezing on March 25, according to The Weather Channel’s website.
Hearing about the Bomb Cyclone and how it will impact students doesn’t surprise fourth-year student Anthony Nuccio.
“We’ve dealt with a lot of negative weather patterns, such as excessive fall warmth, because of climate change,” Nuccio said. “Knowing that, it’s not really surprising that there’s a major cold front coming. As far as preparing goes, I’m just planning on dressing warmer and staying inside unless I need to be outside.”
Third-year student Sydney Welu holds a different opinion about the wintry weather that’s coming.
“I love the cold weather, but it shouldn’t happen like this or at least not so sudden,” Welu said. “I’m not sure if I’m worried about the sudden climate change or excited for an earlier winter season.”
Although Welu has a love for wintry weather, she shared her survival plan.
“I usually sleep with the window open until it gets to be about 40 degrees,” Welu said. “I guess I’ll stop doing that and start wearing gloves. I mainly just have to contain my excitement.”
