'Polar vortex' chills Chicago to the bone

Metra, the Chicago commuter rail, reported delays in service to the suburbs of the US' third-largest city, as commuters rushed to get home. Metra announced that the trains would run on modified schedules on Wednesday.

Many venues canceled shows scheduled for Tuesday evening and Wednesday, including, appropriately, Disney on Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party, at the United Center on Wednesday, which offered refunds.

The Chicago Park District opened "drop-in centers" in many parks on Tuesday, providing shelters for people to warm up.

More snow is forecast for Wednesday morning and Thursday night.

"I was born and raised in Chicago," Susan Garvey, 61, told China Daily. "I'm always braced for the cold in Chicago."

However, Garvey said that she did some grocery shopping Tuesday because Wednesday could be colder.

"I was surprised to see many people in the supermarket," she said. "I guess people want to be prepared, just like me."

Forecasters warn that exposed skin can get frostbite in just five minutes at these temperatures.

Some subdivisions and condominium associations sent out notices to their residents to take steps to prevent frozen water pipes.

Reuters contributed to this story