Students endure the frigid weather hitting the Valley

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Due to the big drop in temperature, the cold weather gusting into the Wabash Valley has been causing problems for vehicles, houses and you.

In fact, several Wabash Valley school districts issued a two-hour delay because of the wind chill advisory.

News 10’s Gina Glaros wanted to find out just how bad the low temperatures can be for you and your student(s) by waiting at the bus stop Tuesday morning.

They thought there were prepared enough for the wait, garbed head to toe in layers, even wearing a pair of gloves for good measure.  However, Chief Photojournalist Mike Latta and Gina said after mere minutes, they couldn’t wait to get back into the warm car.

This brought in the question, what about the kids that have to wait for longer periods of time for the bus to arrive?

The pair visited a bus stop off of 7th St. and College Ave. in Terre Haute, and were surprised at the range of clothing some of the students wore.

Some weren’t bundled up, and waited to the last minute to rush onto the bus when it arrived.  Others, however, were more prepared.

Freshman Alexis Fitzek said she usually makes sure to wear multiple layers, and that she demonstrates promptness, by getting to the stop early.

No matter how bundled students are during this frigid weather, nothing—for bus riders at least—beats the feeling of being to escape the cold when the bus finally arrives.

“I am…so happy, because busses are nice and warm and full of kids, and, so, it’s just nice,” Fitzek said.

These students only had a brief period of being out in the cold; however, a warm ride isn’t always an option for all students and even adults.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said when temperatures drop below normal—usually around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is considered freezing—everyone should make trips outside as brief as possible.  They also said if you can’t avoid the weather, make sure to take breaks and to plan accordingly.

The National Weather Service also posted a statement recommending school officials close schools when the air temperature reaches 30 degrees below zero, or the wind chill reaches 30 degrees below.