The weather was so bad that the Illinois governor declared a state of emergency due to the plummeting temperatures, which at times were colder than Antarctica. To keep the city's trains running gas fires were used on the rail tracks while those at home were requested to turn down their heating to conserve much-needed energy. However, it was those who were homeless or working outdoors that were hardest hit, with 21 fatalities and many others treated for frostbite.

The most significant weather in each state