Wintry mix makes for dangerous driving

Authorities reported numerous minor crashes and spinouts across the suburbs Sunday as a wintry mix of snow and ice made travel hazardous in some areas.

But, as the snow moves out this morning, bitterly cold temperatures will move in.

Arlington Heights police reported collisions along Lake-Cook Road that forced them to reroute traffic around the area -- a total of 20 fender-benders throughout the day -- and multiple crashes were reported along the Jane Addams Tollway, including one that blocked two lanes of traffic at River road and an earlier crash that shut down one lane at Touhy Avenue. The Illinois tollway also reported crashes along Interstate 355 near 63rd and 22nd streets, and Interstate 88 east of I-355.

Fox Lake firefighters said they had a number of accidents, but none with serious injuries.

Buffalo Grove firefighters also reported an accident early Sunday afternoon at Lake-Cook Road and Weidner Road but said there were no injuries.

Bartlett police also reported several accidents, none serious, as did the DuPage County Sheriff's Office.

Elk Grove Village police said there were three nonserious accidents Sunday afternoon.

Hanover Park reported a total of 15 accidents on Sunday, all minor.

Football fans will need to bundle up when the Bears host the Dallas Cowboys tonight.

The mercury is expected to drop throughout the day Monday and forecasters say wind chills will fall below zero as when the teams face off during Monday night football.

The National Weather Service in Romeoville says the wind chill in some parts of northern Illinois could sink to 15 below zero on Monday night. The temperature at Soldier Field is expected to be in the teens at kickoff, but with the wind chill it will likely feel colder.

About three inches of snow fell at O'Hare International Airport on Sunday and flurries continued Monday.

The game begins at 7:40 p.m. CT.

Minor flurries could fall as early as Monday night, but people planning to attend the Bears game at Soldier Field should bring extra clothing and bundle up.

AccuWeather is claiming temperatures will drop to 9 degrees Monday night, with windchill temperatures hovering below zero.

People are urged to wear multiple layers and stay inside.

Chicago warming centers ready for the cold weather

Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications is reminding residents to take cold weather precautions with temperatures dropping and snow in the forecast.

The office offers these tips:

-- Make sure pipes in your home are insulated and not exposed to freezing air. If your pipes freeze, use a hair dryer or heating pad to thaw them.

-- A city ordinance requires landlords to supply heat. From Sept. 15 to June 1, the temperature inside a rental residence must be at least 68 degrees during the day and 66 degrees in the evening.

--The city has six community centers that double as warming centers on weekdays. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Garfield Community Service Center at 10 South Kedzie is open 24 hours a day.