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* UPDATED x1 - Pritzker declares disaster, activates National Guard * IDOT issues travel warning ahead of storm: “The safest option is to stay home”

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* Press release…

The Illinois Department of Transportation is warning the public that a major winter storm is expected to create treacherous conditions starting tonight and lasting for several days, with the potential for extremely dangerous and, at times, life-threatening travel across much of the state. Throughout Illinois, periods of heavy snow, rain, ice, high winds and bitter cold should be anticipated, leading to a likelihood of whiteout conditions and roads that will be impassable in the hardest-hit regions.

“The Illinois Department of Transportation spends the entire year preparing for snow-and-ice season and is ready to respond around the clock to this significant weather event, but clearly the public needs to be prepared for the worst-case scenario and postpone all unnecessary travel,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Always remember, during extreme weather, the safest option is to stay home. If you must be on the roads, please be prepared for the real possibility of becoming stranded if you are unable to make it to your destination. Your cooperation and patience will be essential to keeping everyone safe the next several days.”

The National Weather Service is forecasting a winter storm warning starting later today, with mixed precipitation shifting to snow this afternoon and evening, extending into the overnight hours.

In central Illinois, along the Interstate 55, 57, 70 and 72 corridors, snow totals are expected to range between 6 and 20 inches, with the highest amounts in the Springfield, Bloomington, Champaign areas and as far north as Kankakee. Because of the intensity and amounts of snow, travel is expected to be dangerous and strongly discouraged.

Across the Chicago area, trace accumulations to more than a foot of snow are predicted. Significant ice and sleet accumulations are possible in much of southern Illinois, creating extremely slippery surfaces and slick conditions. The far northwest region of the state, Rockford and the Quad Cities, are expected to miss much of the storm.

Blowing and drifting snow will create hazardous conditions Wednesday night and Thursday, with winds gusting to 30 mph. Colder air will bring subzero temperatures by Friday morning.

Due to the long duration of the storm, sustained high winds, severe cold reducing the effectiveness of materials to treat the roads, as well as the challenges of staffing a prolonged winter weather event, IDOT is advising the public to remain patient and prepare for longer travel times to persist, with snow-and-ice response and cleanup efforts potentially lasting several days.

Statewide, IDOT has available more than 1,800 trucks and equipment to plow, treat roads and respond to weather emergencies. If you encounter a plow or any maintenance vehicle during your travels, please slow down, increase your driving distance and remain patient. Do not attempt to pass – conditions in front of the plow will be worse than behind it.

“The Illinois State Police, along with our state and local partners, are tracking this storm and stand constantly ready to meet the challenges presented by these types of weather events,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “While we are helping motorists out of ditches and handling crashes related to this snow-and-ice storm, we want to remind the public of the Move Over Law. By slowing down and moving over, drivers are helping all first responders and stranded motorists get back home to their families safely.”

If travel is absolutely necessary:

• Drastically reduce speeds and take it slow, especially when approaching intersections, ramps, bridges and shaded areas that are prone to icing.
• Make sure your gas tank is full.
• Keep a cell phone, warm clothes, blankets, food, water, a first-aid kit, washer fluid and an ice scraper in your vehicle. Dial *999 in the Chicago area for assistance in case of emergency.
• Check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your route and schedule.
• Reminder: Using handheld phones while driving is illegal in Illinois, unless it is an emergency.
• If you are involved in a crash or break down, remain inside your vehicle, which is your safest form of shelter. Exiting your vehicle into live traffic can have fatal consequences.
• Always wear a seat belt, whether you’re sitting in the front seat or back seat. It’s the law. Never get behind the wheel impaired.

For regular updates on statewide road conditions, visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

That reminds me that my truck is almost on empty. I think I’ll be taking a pause to go fill it up after I put up another post. Stay safe out there.

*** UPDATE *** Press release…

In advance of the anticipated severe winter storm expected to hit the entire state, Governor JB Pritzker today issued a disaster declaration and activated approximately 130 members of the Illinois National Guard to ensure all state resources are available to deal with the heavy snow, ice, and blizzard conditions expected over the coming days. The Governor is directing IEMA to coordinate a robust, statewide response which will include more than 1,800 IDOT trucks and equipment, ISP patrols to help stranded motorists, and approximately 130 members of the Illinois National Guard.

“I’m authorizing a disaster proclamation for Winter Storm Landon, effective immediately, to support local government disaster response and recovery operations wherever necessary. I want to assure county and local officials and everyone in the path of the storm that my administration will provide resources every step of the way,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “On the ground, all state assets stand ready to assist. I encourage everyone to do what you can to stay safe: listen to local authorities to stay up to date with the latest conditions in your community and make sure your household has essentials.”

IEMA’s State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield will be activated to coordinate the state’s response to the storm. Representatives from relevant state agencies will staff the SEOC 24 hours a day throughout the storm and quickly deploy resources to impacted communities.

“We’re working closely with local emergency management officials throughout the state to monitor conditions and be ready to provide assistance they may need,” said Scott Swinford, Deputy Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). “But it’s also important that people prepare themselves for this storm with food, water, working flashlights, weather radios, and other necessities.”

In response to the storm, the Governor is activating approximately 130 members of the Illinois National Guard to support winter weather operations in central Illinois. The soldiers and airmen will be assigned as winter weather platoons with each platoon consisting of approximately 18 soldiers equipped with six High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) and one Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck Wrecker. The Airmen, from the 182nd Airlift Wing, based in Peoria, will also be equipped with six HMMWVs.

“While most people will be watching this week’s weather event unfold from the comfort of their home, the Illinois National Guard will be braving the cold weather and snow alongside local and state first responders as they assist to protect life and property, and alleviate suffering in the communities where they will be assigned,” said Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard.

The Illinois National Guard will serve as a critical force multiplier for the ISP, who will be deploying teams of troopers to assist stranded motorists across the state. Guard units will initially be deployed to ISP Districts 9 - Springfield, 10 - Pesotum, 18 - Litchfield, 20 - Pittsfield and 21 – Ashkum, helping reduce response times and capacity to reach motorists. From the SEOC, ISP will be monitoring conditions on the ground and shifting personnel based on the trajectory of the storm.

“The men and women of the ISP stand ready to face the challenges mother nature has in store and, like we always do, will rise to the occasion,” stated Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The Illinois National Guard will also be standing with us as a force multiplier. With their assistance, service to the public will be greatly augmented, reducing first responder response times to stranded motorists.”

Statewide, IDOT will deploy more than 1,800 trucks and equipment to plow, treat roads and respond to weather emergencies. If you encounter a plow or any maintenance vehicle during your travels, please slow down, increase your driving distance and remain patient. Do not attempt to pass – conditions in front of the plow will be worse than behind it. Because of the storm’s potential, non-essential travel is strongly discouraged.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 12:27 pm

Comments

“The safest option is to stay home”

This has been true for two years.

– MrJM

Comment by MisterJayEm Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 12:31 pm
“Please everyone stay home, travel only in emergencies. Here with a live report on the scene is…”

Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 12:35 pm
Put a votive (or tea) candle and a book of matches in your glovebox…and hope you never need them.

Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 12:45 pm
== “Please everyone stay home, travel only in emergencies. Here with a live report on the scene is…”==

“It’s cold and snowin’ “

“Thanks, Ollie”

Comment by fs Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 12:47 pm
Tyrannical IDOT trying to infringe on our freedom of movement. For only $5,500 I’ll personally install bald tires on my Camaro and drive up and down your street at speeds you can’t even imagine, to show these chicago bureaucrats what freedom actually looks like

Comment by SWIL_Voter Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 12:56 pm
==“Please everyone stay home, travel only in emergencies. Here with a live report on the scene is…”==

“Channel 20 and Fox Illinois live from the world-famous Cook Street Overpass.”

Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 12:56 pm
The grocery stores already look like the fall of Saigon today. people have been panic buying since Sunday.

I’m really more afraid of a bad ice storm than snow. Ice knocks out a lot more power lines and is harder to drive on than snow.

Comment by Give Us Barabbas Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 1:13 pm
And remember, Darwin Award applicants, if you simply insist on going out because you’re too important to stay home or off the roads in hotels, truckstops,someone’s house, etc., help isn’t coming fast if it goes bad for you. In some places it won’t be coming at all. That’s just not police/fire/medical, that’s towing and road service also. And, your SUV/CUV/pickup is NOT invincible, even with 4WD. THINK (banned punctuation).

Comment by thisjustinagain Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 1:23 pm
I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I had the car washed.

Comment by JoanP Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 1:27 pm
Any word about State offices? Unless details are still being hammered out.

Comment by Just Curious Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 2:01 pm
“Please everyone stay home, travel only in emergencies.”

Because IDOT won’t be out plowing snow until after the storm stops. Just like in Indiana.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 2:05 pm
Now the question is - will my employer let me work remotely, when we have everything in place to do so and maybe 5% of my job involves non-urgent, physically present work?

The likely answer is no. And I’m sure many others are in a similar situation.

Comment by Techie Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 2:10 pm
SWIL, thanks for the laugh.

What right does the NHTSA have for mandating seatbelts? They’re just shills for big auto.

Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 2:12 pm
=Any word about State offices?=

At IEPA we have been told not to come in Wednesday or Thursday in the affected areas. (Headquarters, Peoria, Champaign, Collinsville, Marion, Elgin, and Des Plaines regional offices). Work from home or use benefit time/dockage.

Comment by HangingOn Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 2:19 pm
The safest option is to stay home, but if you work for the state you will be forced to use a vacation or personal day to do so if the office is not officially closed. Sick time may not be used. Not a whole bunch of bright lights in leadership at the state as I am discovering.

Comment by Captain Obvious Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 2:20 pm
I hope JB called Richard Irvin before activating the Guard. Gotta maintain the proper chain of command.

Comment by Roadrager Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 2:22 pm
The state apparently remains one of the worst employers when it comes to proactively responding to winter weather. Good luck with retention of employees if the boss is both activating the national guard and telling employees that they have to use their own benefit time or have their pay dock.

There are plenty of for profit private sector companies that don’t do that and if the Governor wants to wait until 6:50 AM to make the call, that’s fine — but employees should be told when the decision is going to be made so they know when they have to make theirs.

Comment by Candy Dogood Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 2:34 pm
wow. I clearly need to watch/read more news. did not know this was going to be so bad. stay safe everyone.

Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 2:47 pm
Every time I see an article like this regarding a bad winter storm my mind travels back to my childhood. I vividly remember when stalled motorists would have to be rescued off I-57 and put up for the night in our high school gym. Lunchroom ladies would come in during the storm to make coffee and sandwiches for the travelers. Before the days of cellphone locals would go around to take names and phone numbers so they could go home and call relatives to say the motorists were safe, For weeks afterwards thank you letters were published in our small town newspaper. It’s a nice memory.

Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 2:56 pm
-I hope JB called Richard Irvin before activating the Guard. Gotta maintain the proper chain of command.-

Yeah, I’ll take it seriously when Richard Irvin calls out the Guard. Then we know it’s on. /s

Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 3:06 pm
Even the Sun Times has fallen for the Weather Channel’s Naming Winter Storms schtick. “Winter Storm Landon.”

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2022/2/1/22912116/winter-storm-warning-south-suburbs-northwest-indiana-up-to-11-inches-by-wednesday-evening

Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 3:08 pm
Don’t know about other State departments, IDOT is working remote until at least 2/11.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 3:19 pm
Not surprisingly, Springfield’s District 186 has already announced the city’s schools are closed tomorrow. Most likely Thursday too (but that will be decided tomorrow). One of many school cancellations yet to come.

https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/2022/02/01/city-springfield-declares-snow-emergency-ahead-winter-storm-landon/9297526002/

Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 3:28 pm
Breaking News! Tom Devore files lawsuit against the Governor’s declaration. “We don’t want no Government salt or plows on our streets. We want our right to get stranded. End the salt mandate now!”

Comment by denyin Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 3:37 pm
“I had the car washed.” Phew. At first I thought it was me.

Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 4:35 pm
State offices will close at 2:00 pm tomorrow and will remain closed on Thursday. Will reopen Friday.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 4:54 pm
Needless to say there’s a certain group already questioning if the Governor has the authority to declare a disaster. Of course as mentioned above Tom DeVore has used this day to go after the Governor on many levels as if he’s responsible for the weather. Common sense says to send people home unless you’re DeVore or Bailey.

Comment by Club J Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 4:56 pm
==State offices will close at 2:00 pm tomorrow and will remain closed on Thursday. ==

What office is that? I haven’t heard anything from my agency yet.

And some of the worst of the storm is expected tomorrow morning, at least in the Springfield area.

Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 5:37 pm
Our state office in Chicago is closed tomorrow (Wed) and Thursday. Remote work both days.

Open Friday.

Comment by Mr K Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 5:45 pm
==Our state office in Chicago is closed tomorrow (Wed) and Thursday. Remote work both days.==

And yet nothing announced yet for Springfield offices–and that area can get anywhere from 10-20 inches of snow by Thursday night.

Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 6:05 pm
Non-AFSCME CMS sent a letter stating state offices under the gov are closed at 2pm on 2/2 and 2/3. Agency heads encouraged to use remote work and start 2/2 remote where possible.

Comment by Confusion Tuesday, Feb 1, 22 @ 6:31 pm
I am a state employee and have gotten no notice of any closing of our office here in Springfield. I am expected to drive to work and be in office

Comment by Peanut Wednesday, Feb 2, 22 @ 7:19 am