Full Notification

WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY EVENING THROUGH
LATE THURSDAY NIGHT...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHICAGO HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY EVENING THROUGH LATE
THURSDAY NIGHT.

* TIMING...RAIN WILL CHANGE TO WET SNOW FROM WEST TO EAST LATE
THURSDAY AFTERNOON INTO THURSDAY EVENING...POSSIBLY HEAVY AT
TIMES...LINGERING THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT. STRONG WINDS WILL
DEVELOP LATER THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE THURSDAY NIGHT.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION: CURRENT INDICATIONS ARE THAT TOTALS OF 2 TO 6
INCHES ARE LIKELY...WITH THE HIGHER AMOUNTS MORE FAVORED TO BE
IN THE NORTH AND NORTHWEST SUBURBS OF CHICAGO.

* WIND: WINDS WILL BECOME NORTHWEST AND INCREASE TO 30 TO 40 MPH
BY LATE THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND CONTINUE THURSDAY NIGHT WITH
GUSTS TO 50 TO 60 MPH PROBABLE.

* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF THE SNOW AND VERY STRONG WINDS WILL
RESULT IN GREATLY REDUCED VISIBILITIES AND POSSIBLY NEAR
BLIZZARD CONDITIONS. FALLING TEMPERATURES WILL CAUSE ROADS TO
BECOME SNOW COVERED AND TRAVEL TREACHEROUS. THIS WILL LIKELY
IMPACT THE LATTER PORTION OF THE EVENING RUSH HOUR. THE STRONG
WINDS MAY ALSO RESULT IN MINOR DAMAGE AND SPORADIC POWER
OUTAGES.

Since this is has the potential to be the first significant snowstorm of the season it is a good time to review some winter driving tips.

Winter driving is often the most difficult due to blowing snow, icy slick spots and fewer daylight hours. When you are on the road:


Buckle those seat belts! (It’s the law)

Be prepared to turn back or seek refuge if conditions become threatening.

In RAIN, drive with your headlights on dim.

In FOG, drive with your headlights on dim, or use foglights.
If the fog is too dense, pull off the roadway and stop. Do not drive at less than 10 miles per hour.

In RAIN, FOG, SNOW or SLEET, do not overdrive your headlights.
Stay within the limits of your vision.

Keep your windows clear of snow and ice. Do not start until your windshield is defrosted.

Drive slower and increase your following distance. Your speed should be adjusted for the conditions and match the flow of traffic.

Roadway conditions may vary depending on the sun, shade or roadway surface. Watch for slick spots especially under bridges, on overpasses and in shaded spots. Be prepared to react physically and mentally.

If the pavement is snow or ice covered, start slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when you come to an intersection.
If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction then straighten your vehicle.

When you approach a snow plow from behind, pass with care and only when you can see the road ahead of the plow. You should not try to pass in blowing snow. There may be a vehicle in that cloud of snow! Allow more distance between you and the plow, they may be spreading salt.

Be alert when you approach a cloud of snow which covers the road, especially on passing lanes of interstates or freeways. Slow down and approach with caution. A snow plow may be at work clearing the lane or preparing to turn around.

Be careful after a minor rear end accident. If you are bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable exiting your vehicle, motion the other driver and drive to the nearest police station, 24-hour store, service station, hospital or fire station.