The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Illinois State Police (ISP) have issued advisories as a significant winter storm is set to impact much of Illinois this weekend. The storm is expected to bring several inches of snow, heavy icing, high winds, and severe cold, creating hazardous travel conditions across the state.
"The team at IDOT is prepared for the first major snow-and-ice event of the season, but we ask for your cooperation as well," said Lora Rensing, IDOT’s chief engineer and director of highways project implementation. She emphasized that staying home is the safest option during severe weather. However, if travel is necessary, she urged the public to monitor forecasts and adjust plans accordingly, as conditions could become treacherous.
Sangamon County has declared a Level 2 Winter Weather Emergency, effective at 4:00 P.m. Sunday afternoon until further notice. Under a Level 2 Winter Weather Emergency, travel on County Highways is discouraged. Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and may be icy. There are areas where the roadways may be partially closed by the elements. Emergency personnel may not be able to respond in a timely manner if you are stranded.
Brian Davis, Sangamon County Highway Engineer, said, "The snow and wind make traveling on many county roads difficult. Visibility is even worse at night, making travel dangerous. We urge residents to limit travel and stay home, especially during the nighttime hours. If you absolutely must be out, use extreme caution and give snow plows and first responder vehicles plenty of space."
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from late Saturday night through Monday morning, with the heaviest snow expected along Interstates 70 and 72. Cities like Quincy, Springfield, Champaign, and Effingham could see 8 to 12 inches of snow. The Chicago area may receive up to 4 inches, while southern areas may experience sleet and freezing rain, potentially leading to significant ice accumulations.
Statewide, IDOT has mobilized over 1,800 trucks and equipment to treat roads, spread salt, plow snow, and respond to weather emergencies. Crews are already pretreating areas prone to icing. However, wind gusts up to 35 mph may cause blowing and drifting snow, complicating visibility and road conditions. Northern Illinois is also expected to face subzero wind chills.
Drivers are advised to reduce speed, increase braking distances, and maintain safe following distances. For the latest road conditions, IDOT recommends visiting GettingAroundIllinois.com and following their updates on social media.
"Snow, ice, and cold temperatures can make driving conditions more dangerous," said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen. He advised motorists to slow down, increase space between vehicles, and allow extra travel time, warning that road conditions can be deceiving.
In Springfield, the Office of Public Works has declared a Snow Emergency for designated routes from 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, to 11:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025. Residents must remove parked vehicles from snow emergency routes by 11:00 p.m. Saturday to facilitate snow removal operations. Drivers should give snowplow crews ample space and avoid pushing snow from private properties into streets, as it is both dangerous and a violation of city ordinances.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to keep sidewalks clear to ensure pedestrian safety. Per Springfield City Ordinance Section 99.03, sidewalks adjacent to properties must be cleared of snow by 10:00 a.m. each morning following a snow event. Non-compliance may result in a $250 fine, and concerns should be directed to the city's Housing Division.
For assistance or to report issues during the storm, Springfield residents can contact the Office of Public Works at 217-789-2246.