Introduction to St. Patrick’s Day Preparations
Chicagoans and visitors had an early start to the St. Patrick’s Day festivities Friday night, enjoying outdoor spaces at pubs with temperatures nearing 80 degrees.
The pleasant weather turned windy by Friday night, with possibly severe thunderstorms approaching the region and wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour persisting overnight into Saturday.
Preparations for High Winds
Bars and restaurants with outdoor dining spaces spent the day preparing for thousands of customers and the windy conditions.
They added extra support to their outdoor tent this year.
"We always prepare for the worst, but expect the best. It’s what we do," McKinney said.
Restaurant Preparations
The Irish Nobleman in West Town is also preparing to welcome thousands of guests no matter the weather.
"Chicago’s a windy city, it’s always windy," owner Declan Morgan said.
Most of their decorations are inside this year.
Weather Advisory
A wind advisory is in effect into early Saturday morning, before a high wind warning takes effect from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday.
Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour will be possible during the Chicago River dyeing, which is slated to begin at 10 a.m.
After the expiration of the high wind warning, a second wind advisory will take effect from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, with gusts of up to 50 miles per hour still possible in that time frame.
Parade Schedule
The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled to step off at noon, after the worst of the winds are likely to have subsided.
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and businesses to take precautions to secure outdoor objects, fencing and decorations due to high winds.
Public Safety
As for Saturday’s parade downtown, OEMC says it will monitor the event, and will coordinate public safety resources with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments as needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, restaurants and bars in Chicago are preparing for St. Patrick’s Day festivities amid high winds. With a wind advisory and high wind warning in effect, businesses are taking precautions to secure outdoor objects and ensure public safety.
FAQs
Q: What is the weather forecast for St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago?
A: A wind advisory is in effect into early Saturday morning, followed by a high wind warning from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, with wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour possible.
Q: Is the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade still scheduled to take place?
A: Yes, the parade is scheduled to step off at noon, after the worst of the winds are likely to have subsided.
Q: What precautions are being taken to ensure public safety?
A: The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and businesses to secure outdoor objects, fencing and decorations, and will monitor the event and coordinate public safety resources with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments as needed.
