* Comments will remain closed today because we don’t expect to be posting much. Comments might not be turned back on until Monday.

The House convenes today at 3pm, but the expectation is they’ll go almost immediately to caucus. Not much on their calendar to speak of.

I don’t think we can expect much if any floor action from the Senate today, either. They’ll convene at 4:30. The only thing on their calendar is executive appointments.

* From the National Weather Service…

…WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO NOON CST MONDAY…

* WHAT…Heavy snow likely near and south of a Beardstown to Paris line. A high confidence (80% chance) of at least 6 inches of snow. A medium confidence (40% chance) of at least 12 inches of snow. Blowing snow likely with wind gusts up to 35 mph. Mixed precipitation possible. A low confidence (30% chance) of at least one tenth of an inch of ice near and south of US Highway 50.

* WHERE…Heavy snowfall across portions of central, east central, southeast, and west central Illinois. Freezing rain and ice accumulation confined to areas near and south of US Highway 50 across southeast Illinois.

* WHEN…From midnight tonight to noon CST Monday.

* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for Illinois can be obtained on the Internet at www.gettingaroundillinois.com

…Adding… From the City of Springfield…

The City of Springfield’s Office of Public Works has declared a Snow Emergency for designated snow routes (refer to the attached map) starting tonight at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, and concluding at 11:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025. This decision has been made in anticipation of snowfall exceeding 6 inches.

Residents must remove all parked vehicles from marked snow emergency routes by tonight, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. To view the Snow Emergency Route Map and the city’s Snow and Ice Removal Policy, visit www.springfield.il.us/snow.

Drivers are reminded to watch for snow removal crews and allow them room to do their work. Persons clearing private parking lots and sidewalks are reminded not to plow the snow into the streets. It is a violation of city ordinance and doing so makes unsafe driving conditions. During a winter storm, residents can call the Office of Public Works to report any problems or concerns at 217-789-2246.

SIDEWALK CLEARING

Residents and businesses are encouraged to keep their sidewalks clear as a safety measure during inclement winter weather. Maintaining clear sidewalks helps create a safer environment for pedestrians.

According to Springfield City Ordinance Section 99.03, all 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 fine of $250. Any complaints or concerns regarding sidewalk obstructions should be directed to the city’s Housing Division at 217.789.2167.

Major plowing routes…