Several Illinois agencies are warning of dangerous travel during a snow storm as the entire Chicago area continues to be under a winter weather recommendation.
The National Weather Service warned that Thursday afternoon and early evening snow could get heavy, resulting in total accumulations of between 2 and 5 inches and gusts of wind up to 40 miles per hour.
The combination of high winds and snow can make dangerous trips for afternoon and evening commutes.
“Snow areas can significantly impair visibility,” warns the adviser. “The dangerous conditions are likely to affect Thursday afternoon and evening commutes. Bags of snow could continue to affect Friday morning commutes.”
Governor JB Pritzker said he had directed state public safety agencies to work with state and local authorities “to ensure the appropriate resources are available as the cold and snow target our state”.
Travel should be limited, officials said, but residents have been urged to call destinations in good time if travel is necessary.
City officials urged residents who will have to travel on Thursday to be mindful of conditions, slow down and clean their vehicles ahead of the extremely cold temperatures expected this weekend.
If it is necessary to travel in freezing temperatures this weekend, officials warned of isolated slippery spots that are likely to form overnight on ramps, overpasses, bridges and shady areas.
“The IDOT team will monitor the roads, treat them as needed, and assist motorists as needed,” said incumbent Illinois Secretary of Transportation Omer Osman. “Please make sure you have the necessary supplies and equipment in your vehicle in case you run into problems and do not leave your vehicle in the event of a breakdown. Call for help and wait for help to arrive. “
Drivers should share roads, officials advised as Illinois law requires drivers to change lanes when addressing police officers, first responders and broken vehicles.
Additionally, in a press release, drivers should slow down as they approach snow plows and maintenance vehicles to give workers more wiggle room.
All vehicles should have emergency equipment equipped with blankets, non-perishable food, boots, extra clothing, and other items in the event a person is stranded, said Alicia Tate-Nadeau, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
More than 200 flights in Chicago were canceled Thursday as the snow storm hit the area.
As of 3 p.m., O’Hare Airport reported 179 flight cancellations while Midway Airport had 95 flight cancellations.
A winter weather warning went into effect in the Chicago area at 11 a.m.
Consultation continues through Friday noon for McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, Kankakee, DuPage, Cook, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, and Will counties of Illinois and Lake, Newton, Jasper, and Porter counties of Indiana.
Under the weather recommendation, McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, and northern and central Cook counties are expected to have an accumulation of between 2 and 5 inches.
Kankakee County in Illinois and Newton and Jasper Counties in northwest Indiana are projected to see between 3 and 5 inches, with higher amounts possible.
For Counties of La Salle, Kendall, Grundy, Southern Cook, and Will, Illinois, and Counties Lake and Porter, Indiana, an accumulation of between 2 and 4 inches with occasionally higher sums is projected.
