At a Glance
- A water main break on Jan. 22 flooded the West Bryn Mawr and North California intersection.
- Extreme cold with a low of -10°F and a high of 31°F intensified the danger.
- Crossing guard Joe Sass carried a child across the icy street and retrieved a lost glove.
- The incident coincided with the approach of Winter Storm Fern, affecting over 230 million Americans.
Why it matters: A single act of bravery prevented a potential tragedy during a severe weather event that could bring heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain across the country.
A quiet morning on the North Side of Chicago turned into a dramatic rescue as a water main break flooded a busy intersection and the city’s temperatures plunged below freezing. While residents braved the icy waters, one crossing guard stepped up to save a child from the peril.
The Flooding Event
On Thursday, Jan. 22, a water main burst near the West Bryn Mawr Avenue and North California Avenue intersection. The sudden release of water caused a deep, icy pool that made the streets treacherous for pedestrians. WGTV reported that the flood was severe enough to deter many from crossing.
The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Cold Warning for the city that day. Temperatures ranged from a low of -10°F to a high of 31°F, according to NBC 5. The combination of cold air and sudden flooding created a dangerous environment for anyone attempting to cross the street.
Key Facts
- Date: Jan. 22
- Location: West Bryn Mawr & North California, Chicago
- Weather: Extreme Cold Warning, -10°F low, 31°F high
- Impact: Flooded streets, cold water, risk of hypothermia
Joe Sass’s Heroic Act
When a group of children attempted to cross the flooded intersection, crossing guard Joe Sass noticed a young pedestrian in danger. Without hesitation, he lifted the child onto his shoulder and navigated the icy water to safety.
Sass also retrieved the child’s lost glove from the cold pool, demonstrating a willingness to go beyond the standard duties of a crossing guard.
> “It’s not in the job description, but I’ll do just about anything for these kids,” Sass told WGTV.
The crossing guard’s quick response prevented a potential hypothermia incident and ensured the child walked away dry and safe. His actions exemplify the dedication many first-responders show during unexpected emergencies.
Winter Storm Fern
The rescue occurred just before the arrival of Winter Storm Fern, a massive storm system expected to impact the United States over the next week. The Weather Channel reported that over 230 million Americans would be affected.
Storm Timeline
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 23 | Storm onset | Begins in the Southern Rockies and Plains |
| Jan. 24-25 | Spread | Moves across the U.S., bringing heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain |
| Jan. 30 | Northeast arrival | Storm reaches the Northeast, ending in the region |
The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center noted that a polar vortex would fuel the storm, pushing it from the Southern High Plains and Rockies toward the Northeast.
State of Emergency Updates
Several states have taken precautionary measures in anticipation of the storm. The following table lists the states that have declared a state of emergency or preparedness, as well as those under winter storm warnings.
| State | Declaration | Current Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | Emergency | – |
| Georgia | Emergency | – |
| North Carolina | Emergency | – |
| South Carolina | Emergency | – |
| Arkansas | Emergency | – |
| Louisiana | Emergency | – |
| Maryland | Preparedness | – |
| West Virginia | Preparedness | – |
| Oklahoma | Warning | Winter Storm |
| Arkansas | Warning | Winter Storm |
| New Mexico | Warning | Winter Storm |
| Texas | Warning | Winter Storm |
| Kansas | Warning | Winter Storm |
| Missouri | Warning | Winter Storm |
| Kentucky | Warning | Winter Storm |
| Tennessee | Warning | Winter Storm |
| Southern Illinois | Warning | – |
| Southern Indiana | Warning | – |
| Northern Louisiana | Warning | – |
What Residents Should Know
- Stay Informed: Monitor local news for updates on the storm and any potential flooding.
- Avoid Flooded Areas: Do not cross streets with standing water, especially in extreme cold.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of local emergency services and crossing guard contacts.
- Prepare for Cold: Dress in layers and avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing.
- Support First Responders: Recognize the crucial role of crossing guards and other first responders during emergencies.
The incident on Jan. 22 serves as a reminder of how quickly ordinary streets can become hazardous. Thanks to the quick thinking of crossing guard Joe Sass, a child avoided a potentially life-threatening situation just as a severe storm approached the city.
Key Takeaways
- A water main break flooded a busy Chicago intersection on Jan. 22.
- Extreme cold temperatures made the situation dangerous.
- Crossing guard Joe Sass saved a child by carrying them across the icy water.
- Winter Storm Fern is expected to bring heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to over 230 million Americans.
- Multiple states have declared emergencies or issued warnings in anticipation of the storm.
The story underscores the importance of vigilance and the heroic efforts of community members during unforeseen crises.
