DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — A winter weather event is headed for Illinois beginning Wednesday night with the possibility of precipitation continuing in parts of the state state into Thursday.
Forecasters are calling for an icy mix of freezing rain and sleet is expected to arrive tonight, with a light glaze potentially creating slick conditions on untreated surfaces.
A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect in the Chicago metro area from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m beginning Wednesday night into Thursday., but rising temperatures near 40 degrees on Thursday should help melt any ice.
Friday will be quiet with near-freezing highs, while another potential storm system could bring ice and snow on Saturday.
Illinois Tollway setting response in motion
In a Wednesday morning release, the Illinois Tollway is reminding drivers to slow down and stay alert for varying pavement conditions as sleet, freezing rain and snow showers are expected to move through the region Wednesday, possibly affecting drivers during their morning and evening commutes.
The Tollway reported that it is deploying its full fleet of 196 plows to spread salt and other de-icing materials to keep roads clear and customers safe during the winter storm, which is expected to continue through the day and before tapering off early Thursday. The Tollway’s Snow Operations Center will be open to manage the agency’s systemwide response to the storm, which could affect pavement conditions and reduce visibility.
“Our top priority is to keep our customers safe by working throughout this winter storm to clear our roads of ice and snow,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “While our roadway crews are spreading salt and de-icing materials, we’re reminding drivers to help us protect them by slowing down, increasing their distance from other vehicles and staying alert for changing pavement conditions. We’re urging our customers to avoid distracted driving by putting away cellphones so they can focus on driving safely.”
To respond to this winter storm, the Illinois Tollway will have a full complement of more than 200 staff and supervisors working per shift to keep roadways clear of ice.
While on the road, the Tollway says drivers whose vehicles become disabled should activate their hazard lights and dial *999 from a cellphone for assistance. Drivers should note the roadway they are using, as well as the direction of travel and nearest milepost or crossroad.
Pennsylvania agencies warning travelers ahead of storm
Ahead of anticipated winter weather across the state Wednesday into Thursday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the PA Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) are advising motorists to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and to exercise caution when driving. Additionally, PennDOT and the PA Turnpike will implement various speed and vehicle restrictions throughout the storm.
Beginning Wednesday morning, the storm will bring a band of snow across the state, followed by sleet and freezing rain. Temperatures below freezing will result in potentially icy conditions. PennDOT and PA Turnpike crews will actively pre-treat roadways where necessary ahead of the storm to help prevent ice from forming a bond with the pavement. However, salt does not resolve all risks, and drivers may encounter icy spots on the roadway. With freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps where ice can form.
According to the National Weather Service, gusty winds could bring down trees and power lines and cause power outages
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
