🚨 BREAKING NEWS: ARCTIC HAMMER SHUTS DOWN AURORA, ILLINOIS! 🚨

Governor Pritzker Declares Statewide Disaster as Schools Close, Wind Chills Plummet to -40°F

AURORA, IL – January 22, 2026 – 2:34 PM CST – The "Arctic Hammer" has officially descended upon Northern Illinois, triggering unprecedented emergency protocols across the state. In response to life-threatening cold and a looming blizzard, Governor JB Pritzker has issued a Statewide Disaster Proclamation for all 102 counties, mobilizing state resources and giving local authorities the green light to prioritize public safety.

Aurora schools are among the many "frozen over" by this executive order. Both West Aurora School District 129and East Aurora School District 131 have officially canceled all classes and extracurricular activities for Friday, January 23, 2026.

No E-Learning for SD129 & SD131: Unlike some surrounding districts, SD129 and SD131 are observing a "Traditional Emergency Day." Students and staff are encouraged to stay safe and warm, with makeup days for lost instructional time already scheduled for April 2026.

"To keep the gas lines stable and our students safe from life-threatening wind chills of -40°F, we are utilizing a traditional emergency day," a district representative confirmed. "It's not an e-learning day, so students and staff can enjoy their day off. The priority is safety."

Extreme Cold Grips Region: NWS Warnings & Safety Alerts

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for Aurora and Kane County, effective from 3 AM to Noon on Friday. Wind chills are projected to plummet to a dangerous -35°F to -40°F, with some areas potentially reaching -45°F. Exposure to such conditions can cause frostbite in as little as 10 minutes.

City of Aurora & Kane County Mobilize

Local agencies are in full emergency response mode:

• Aurora Snow Plows: The City of Aurora is actively clearing Priority 1 (Red) routes, ensuring access to essential services like hospitals and fire stations. Residential plowing operations will be triggered once snow accumulation reaches the 2-inch mark from Saturday's projected blizzard.
• Kane County Courts: All Kane County courthouses will be CLOSED for in-person proceedings on Friday, January 23. Scheduled hearings will be conducted via Zoom.
• Warming Centers: The Financial Empowerment Center at 712 S. River St. in Aurora is confirmed to open as an overnight warming shelter at 7:00 PM tonight.

Statewide Impact & Winter Storm Fern

Illinois' emergency declaration is part of a wider response to Winter Storm Fern, a massive system currently affecting 200 million people across 35 states. The storm is bringing record ice to parts of Texas and the Carolinas, with dangerous Arctic air spreading across the Midwest and threatening the Gulf Coast.

Stay tuned to TNW News for continuous updates on this evolving situation. Prioritize safety, limit outdoor exposure, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

🎨 TNW News Online Article Graphic

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