Beat this, Shelbyville: Springfield reports power consumption record -- chicagotribune.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The recent blast of subzero winter weather is causing record power consumption in Springfield.

Springfield, City Water, Light and Power says the state's capital set an all-time winter peak of power consumption at 325 megawatts earlier this week.

The previous record for the company was 15 years ago on Jan. 18, 1994. That's when the number was 311 megawatts.

Newark logs record at -20 degrees

NEWARK — Bone-chilling temperatures in the area from late Friday into early Saturday accomplished more than forcing residents to add a few extra layers of clothing: The day set a new record low temperature of -20.

Florida: Rare wind chill advisory

The weather service said a wind chill advisory will remain in effect until 10 a.m. today in Alachua, Marion and most other North Florida counties. According to the weather service, a wind chill advisory means “very cold air and strong winds will combine to generate low wind chills. This will result in frostbite and lead to hypothermia if precautions are not taken. If you must venture outdoors, make sure you wear a hat and gloves.”

During the advisory, actual low temperatures are forecast to fall into the mid- to upper 20s inland and low 30s along the coastlines, while a 10 to 15 mph north wind will create a wind chill as low as 15 degrees inland and near 20 degrees in coastal areas.

The forecast for sub-freezing temperatures prompted Gov. Charlie Crist to issue a state of emergency so that some highway restrictions around Florida could be lifted. Easing restrictions on truck heights and weights are expected to make it easier to harvest and transport crops that could be damaged by the freezing weather.