A winter storm system that will slowly move through our region before departing Tuesday morning could dump from 6 to 10 inches of snow. The National Weather Service posted a Winter Storm WARNING for much of east-central Illinois and west-central Indiana Sunday afternoon. It’s in effect from 6:00 p.m. Sunday until 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, (February 16, 2021).
And in addition to the heavy snow, a Wind Chill Advisory is in effect until noon Monday. (It may be extended.) The cold wind chills – to 20 below zero at times – could cause frostbite on exposed skin in less than 30 minutes.
Area residents were being advised that travel will be hazardous and difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commute.
The Indiana Department of Transportation said Sunday that it was deploying more than 1,100 trucks to plow snow and treat interstate highways, U.S. routes and state roads. Motorists are being urged by the Indiana Department of Transportation to stay off the roads during the winter storm if possible. It is to allow the plow crews plenty of room to safely clear snow and ice.
If you must travel:
- Slow down and stay behind the snowplows. Allow at least 10 car lengths between your vehicle and snowplows or hopper spreaders.
- Do not pass the plows. They are wide and sometimes a group of trucks will work in tandem to clear the snow quickly, especially on major highways.
- Be particularly aware of black ice conditions on surfaces such as bridge decks and entrance and exit ramps.
- Due to extremely cold temperatures and sub-zero wind-chills, salt will take longer to melt snow and ice. Blowing and drifting snow may also blow snow back into recently plowed routes.
- Four-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes and traction control are beneficial in winter weather, BUT they cannot take the place of good driving habits and the need to reduce speed on snowy and icy roadways.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you get stranded and keep a cell phone charged in case you need to call for help.
The tips above are from the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Remember, you can find the latest Illinois road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com.
