Blizzard, bitter cold by Thursday

If you’ve been wishing for a white Christmas, be careful for what you wish for.

A significant winter storm is expected to blow in from the west late Thursday that will impact the holiday weekend.

The National Weather Service [NWS] has issued a winter storm watch effective from Thursday morning through late Friday night.

The approaching system is expected to bring heavy snow, bitter cold and strong winds that will result in blowing and drifting snow.

For some areas the system could begin with rain that shifts to snow. Forecasters say it’s still too early to predict snowfall totals or the exact trajectory of the storm, but it will affect the entire area.

Chicago based NWS meteorologist report the potential exists for blizzard conditions with wind gusting over 35 mph.

In fact, some reports point to wind gusts of 50 mph or more at the height of the storm.

Blowing snow could result in white out conditions with little to no visibility at times making travel difficult if not impossible.

NWS officials say those planning to travel for the holidays should prepare now and adjust their plans. Air travel is expected to be impacted throughout the region.

Power outages are possible with this storm, so be sure all electronic devices are fully charged and you have an adequate supply of shelf stable food and water.

Bitterly cold wind chills as low as -25 below are likely. Wind chills of this magnitude can cause frostbite on exposed skin in a matter of minutes.

If one must venture outdoors make sure to cover all exposed skin and if traveling be sure to have an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, flares/reflectors, windshield washer fluid, non-perishable food, traction materials, cell phone and charger, ice scraper and shovel, first aid kit, flashlight, water, medicine and blankets.

Those who do find themselves on the road during a winter storm are reminded to stay at least five car lengths back from a plow truck.
Local municipalities and counties all have policies in place when it comes to clearing the roadways. The Illinois Department of Transportation [IDOT] reports operations may be reduced if visibility is limited. Night operations could be discontinued if plowing or chemicals become ineffective due to low temperatures.

The villages of Coal City and Diamond have snow routes in place and failure to comply will find drivers digging into their wallets.

Municipal code prohibits street side parking, in both villages, when a roadway is being cleared of snow. Specifically, in the event of a two inch or more snowfall vehicles must be removed from streets in a timely manner.

Any vehicle continuously parked on a village of Coal City street in excess of 48 hours after a two-inch or more snowfall will be issued a village P-ticket. The ordinance allows the village to tow a vehicle if it remains parked after a ticket has been issued.

During times of snow removal the village’s restrictions on parking on or across a sidewalk will not be enforced in residential areas, thus giving residents use of the full length of a driveway.

In Diamond, vehicles are to be removed from village streets to allow for snow plowing and removal.

Additionally, in the village of Diamond, the mayor can proclaim a snow emergency in the event of or in anticipation of winter storm. When this occurs vehicles are prohibited from street side parking along an emergency route—any street declared within the mayor’s proclamation.

In the event an emergency is declared after 11 p.m. and prior to 6 a.m., residents have until 7 a.m. to move vehicles.

Area first responders are also calling on community members to keep fire hydrants clear of snow and reminding homeowners to make sure their vents are also cleared of snow and ice.

The Free Press Newspapers will be monitoring the storm and sharing necessary information on its social media pages as it becomes available.