Arctic blast to hit over 80,000 homeless Chicago residents, more than 600 flights cancelled as record-breaking cold expected

Amid the winter weather advisory, more than 600 flights have also been canceled at O’Hare and Midway Airports.

UPDATED FEB 21, 2020

A record-breaking arctic blast, expected to hit the East Coast on Monday is set to affect nearly 80,000 homeless people in Chicago, according to reports. The National Weather Service (NWS) has predicted that this year's cold spell could break over 200 record lows across the country as the blast sweeps across the country from Monday to Wednesday.

Record low temperatures are possible across Texas, Oklahoma and parts of the Ohio Valley starting Tuesday morning. By Wednesday, more than a dozen record lows could be set in the Deep South and the Gulf Coast, according to CNN meteorologist Taylor Ward.

"The coldest surge of arctic air so far this season will bring widespread record low temperatures for much of the central and eastern U.S. even down to the Gulf Coast," Kwan-Yin Kong, a meteorologist with the NWS' Weather Prediction Center said, according to USA Today. A winter weather advisory has been issued by the agency and is set to be in effect until 2 pm on Monday.

Minneapolis Police Sgt. Grant Snyder hands out gloves, hats and food to the homeless while temperatures dropped to -24 degrees Fahrenheit in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Getty Images)

Reports state that total accumulations of snow are expected to reach three to six inches with the heaviest snowfall expected over the northern and central parts of the Chicago area. The city, which has planned a Monday morning Veterans Day Ceremony at Soldier Field, is expected to witness temperatures reaching a high of 31 degrees. The frigid temperatures could prove challenging for more than 80,000 Chicago residents experiencing homelessness.

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless' Director Doug Schenkelberg, in a statement to the Chicago Suntimes, said: "This type of weather starting this early in the season makes their lives that much more difficult."

Amid the winter weather advisory, more than 600 flights have also been canceled at O’Hare and Midway Airports. O’Hare reported a ground stop for all planes until 10:30 am. Monday. Reports state that 565 flights were canceled at O’Hare International Airport and 93 flights had been canceled at Midway Airport.

Ice surrounds boat dock in a harbor along Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. The city is struggling through the third coldest February on record. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Central Louisiana is preparing for frigid temperatures accompanied by rain. The Central Louisiana Homeless Coalition called the weather forecast a dangerous combination for people battling homelessness. The coalition is reportedly asking community members to donate tarps, blankets, sleeping bags, knit hats, gloves, and hand warmers.

Community members in the region reportedly also came together at the Grand Tire Auto Show in an attempt to raise money for the coalition on Saturday, raising nearly $2,000.