Major winter storm barrels toward
Illinois, treacherous conditions, dangerous travel expected
Heavy snow, wind, cold forecast for days,
public urged to avoid driving in hard-hit areas
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[February 01, 2022]
The Illinois Department of Transportation is warning the public that
a major winter storm is expected to create treacherous conditions
starting tonight and lasting for several days, with the potential
for extremely dangerous and, at times, life-threatening travel
across much of the state. Throughout Illinois, periods of heavy
snow, rain, ice, high winds and bitter cold should be anticipated,
leading to a likelihood of whiteout conditions and roads that will
be impassable in the hardest-hit regions.
“The Illinois Department of Transportation spends the entire year
preparing for snow-and-ice season and is ready to respond around the
clock to this significant weather event, but clearly the public
needs to be prepared for the worst-case scenario and postpone all
unnecessary travel,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer
Osman. “Always remember, during extreme weather, the safest option
is to stay home. If you must be on the roads, please be prepared for
the real possibility of becoming stranded if you are unable to make
it to your destination. Your cooperation and patience will be
essential to keeping everyone safe the next several days.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting a winter storm warning
starting later today, with mixed precipitation shifting to snow this
afternoon and evening, extending into the overnight hours.
In central Illinois, along the Interstate 55, 57, 70 and 72
corridors, snow totals are expected to range between 6 and 20
inches, with the highest amounts in the Springfield, Bloomington,
Champaign areas and as far north as Kankakee. Because of the
intensity and amounts of snow, travel is expected to be dangerous
and strongly discouraged.
Across the Chicago area, trace accumulations to more than a foot of
snow are predicted. Significant ice and sleet accumulations are
possible in much of southern Illinois, creating extremely slippery
surfaces and slick conditions. The far northwest region of the
state, Rockford and the Quad Cities, are expected to miss much of
the storm.
Blowing and drifting snow will create hazardous conditions Wednesday
night and Thursday, with winds gusting to 30 mph. Colder air will
bring subzero temperatures by Friday morning.
Due to the long duration of the storm, sustained high winds, severe
cold reducing the effectiveness of materials to treat the roads, as
well as the challenges of staffing a prolonged winter weather event,
IDOT is advising the public to remain patient and prepare for longer
travel times to persist, with snow-and-ice response and cleanup
efforts potentially lasting several days.
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Statewide, IDOT has available more than 1,800 trucks and equipment to plow,
treat roads and respond to weather emergencies. If you encounter a plow or any
maintenance vehicle during your travels, please slow down, increase your driving
distance and remain patient. Do not attempt to pass – conditions in front of the
plow will be worse than behind it.
“The Illinois State Police, along with our state and local partners, are
tracking this storm and stand constantly ready to meet the challenges presented
by these types of weather events,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “While we
are helping motorists out of ditches and handling crashes related to this
snow-and-ice storm, we want to remind the public of the Move Over Law. By
slowing down and moving over, drivers are helping all first responders and
stranded motorists get back home to their families safely.”
If travel is absolutely necessary:
• Drastically reduce speeds and take it slow, especially when approaching
intersections, ramps, bridges and shaded areas that are prone to icing.
• Make sure your gas tank is full.
• Keep a cell phone, warm clothes, blankets, food, water, a first-aid kit,
washer fluid and an ice scraper in your vehicle. Dial *999 in the Chicago area
for assistance in case of emergency.
• Check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your route and schedule.
• Reminder: Using handheld phones while driving is illegal in Illinois, unless
it is an emergency.
• If you are involved in a crash or break down, remain inside your vehicle,
which is your safest form of shelter. Exiting your vehicle into live traffic can
have fatal consequences.
• Always wear a seat belt, whether you’re sitting in the front seat or back
seat. It’s the law. Never get behind the wheel impaired.
For regular updates on statewide road conditions, visit
www.gettingaround
illinois.com. You also
can follow IDOT on Facebook and Twitter.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |