Colder than in Antarctica: The brutal freeze freezes the city of Chicago

Chicago, 30 (AFP) – Postal services have been shut down, schools and businesses shut down and residents have had to stay at home in 12 US states where temperatures have reached double-digit numbers in the cold snap more extreme that hit the region in decades.

In the third American city, Chicago, where the temperature on Wednesday morning was -30 ° C, with a temperature of -46 ° C because of the icy wind, it was colder than in the capital of the state of Alaska and even more certain parts of Antarctica.

More than 1,500 flights have been canceled at the two major airports in the city and the rail operator Amtrak has discontinued its services. The postal service, known for its commitment to delivering mail despite all difficulties, has suspended shipments to the states of Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Dakota North, South Dakota and Nebraska.

Risk for the homeless

"A record mbad of cold air will remain at the center in the coming days," the National Meteorological Service (NWS) announced. Authorities warned that temperatures could be deadly and the states of Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin have put in place emergency plans.

Shelters and shelters for the homeless have been opened, including about 16,000 people living on the streets of Chicago.

Authorities and health experts have indicated that freezing and hypothermia could occur a few minutes after exposure to this extreme cold. The media has recently reported at least five deaths because of the blizzard that unleashed Monday.