Heavy snow, winds, falling
temperatures continue to make travel dangerous across Illinois
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[February 02, 2022]
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that travel
conditions are expected to continue to deteriorate from the impacts
of a major winter storm that will be felt for several days, while
urging the public to postpone all unnecessary trips. Since last
night, more than 10 inches of snow has fallen in the hardest-hit
regions of the state, with expected blowing and drifting, combined
with falling temperatures, likely producing extremely dangerous
travel conditions during the overnight hours and into Thursday.
“The Illinois Department of Transportation is using all of its
available resources to keep roads as safe as possible, but we ask
for the public’s continued cooperation by delaying nonessential
travel and staying home,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary
Omer Osman. “This storm clearly will be a marathon and not a sprint,
with the snow, ice, high winds and bitter cold presenting challenges
for our snow-and-ice teams and the traveling public over the next
several days. Your help and patience will remain key to ensuring the
safety of everyone, even after the storm has passed.”
The National Weather Service as part of an ongoing winter storm
warning is predicting another round of snow starting later today for
much of central and southeastern Illinois, along with parts of the
Chicago area, with the potential for 6 to 10 additional inches or
more in some areas. Significant ice and sleet accumulations are
possible south of Interstate 70 in southern Illinois, creating
extremely slippery surfaces and slick conditions.
Winds in excess of 30 mph will produce blowing and drifting snow
tonight and through Thursday, reducing the effectiveness of plowing
operations and leading to treacherous conditions. Colder air is
expected to bring subzero temperatures by Friday morning.
Due to the long duration of the storm, sustained high winds and
severe cold reducing the ability of materials to treat the roads, as
well as the challenges of staffing a prolonged winter weather event,
IDOT is asking the public to remain patient, use caution and prepare
for much longer travel times to persist, with snow-and-ice response
and cleanup efforts potentially lasting several days.
Numerous crashes and incidents of vehicles leaving the road have
occurred across the state. For updates on the latest emergency road
closures, visit idot.illinois.gov or click here.
Gov. JB Pritzker this week issued a disaster declaration and
activated approximately 130 members of the Illinois National Guard
to ensure all state resources are available to deal with the extreme
weather and help stranded motorists as part of a robust, statewide
response among multiple state agencies.
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“The brave troopers of the Illinois State Police are working hard alongside our
Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois National Guard, Illinois
Emergency Management Agency, and other state agencies to provide motorist
assistance during this volatile winter storm,” said ISP Director Brendan F.
Kelly. “Nearly the entire state of Illinois will see impacts from this storm by
the time it passes, impacting all of our troopers on patrol. With two troopers
having already been hit while serving the public today, we implore you, if you
don’t absolutely have to be out on the roadways, stay home.”
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.
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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.
• Visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com for regular updates on road conditions
statewide.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information]
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