Central N.C. pretty mild by comparison, into the teens but not minus, and up into the 40's daytime, and getting a little warmer over the weekend. I have seen sub-zero down here that killed some fig trees I had right to the ground, but they sprouted back. Many other perennials didn't. My sister is in the Chicago area and near Lake Michigan, and they are being careful. She and her husband and dog are an intrepid crew; the people traveled during the gov't shutdown, but they are being respectful of the cold. The dog has some husky blood, so he should do okay, for limited turns outside, since he isn't "in shape" for this.