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Last weekend a record number of emergency response calls were logged
during Saturday's ice storm. Response agencies and the hospital
called all available staff to work in order to deal with the number
of ice-related injuries. It was reported that the hospital emergency
room was full all day and there even had to be temporary triage
rooms set up to accommodate all the patients who were brought in.
Should conditions deteriorate, remember:
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Check all available
resources to determine whether you should travel or not.
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Listen to local
radio and TV newscasts.
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Check the state
highway road conditions:
http://wrc.gettingaroundillinois.com/
winterroadconditions/
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Call ahead and ask
the condition of parking lots and walkways.
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Keep in mind that
ice often thaws a bit from treatment, or as sun shines on it,
and refreezes later.
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There could be
scattered slick patches on sidewalks and roads.
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Bridges and hills
are often slicker than the rest of the roadway.
A check of the next few days' forecasts at
http://www.weatherunderground.com/
cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=kaaa indicates that
variable periods and amounts of freezing rain are anticipated
beginning tonight and lasting through the weekend. Saturday night
and Sunday are currently expected to be the worst period. The trend
could continue into Monday.
Hazardous weather outlook
There is potential for some ice accumulation on Saturday night
and Sunday across central Illinois. A source of cold air will remain
in place across northern Illinois as several disturbances move
across the area. Moisture surging north over the cold air near the
ground will create an extended period of freezing rain and sleet
Saturday night and Sunday. Additional ice or sleet accumulation may
occur on Monday. Travel may become hazardous this weekend. Stay
tuned for later statements on this developing winter situation.
[By JAN YOUNGQUIST]
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