Dangerous Wind Chills Expected From Winter Storm Hercules

Written by Bob Pepalis

Flying out to O'Hare International Airport today? Expect to face long delays because of snow and ice in Chicago.

O'Hare is experiencing delays averaging 2 hours and 31 minutes as of 10:30 a.m. Jan. 2.

Winter Storm Hercules is wreaking havoc on travel. The Weather Channel forecast predicts that more than 100 million people in the Midwest and Northeast. Winter weather advisories and warnings are in place from eastern Illinois east through Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, all the way to the northeastern states.

The storm will extend south far enough to affect north Georgia.

Metro Atlanta, Gwinnett and Walton counties will be under a wind advisory from 5 p.m. today to 4 a.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service in Peachtree City. North and central Georgia will have northwest winds of 20-25 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph.

Those high winds may cause some trees to be downed because of the recent rain and moist soils. Anyone driving a high profile vehicle may find it difficult to drive with the gusty winds.

Avoid heading outside tonight. The gusting winds and low temperatures will create significant wind chill values.

The Loganville-Grayson forecast predicts a high today near 48 and a low tonight of 22. On Friday the high will only reach 37. 

"If you must be outside for long periods of time, make sure you cover all exposed skin from the wind," the National Weather Service advised.

Unsecured trash cans, deck and patio furniture may be blown over as well.