Slippery Roads Lead To Several Crashes In Lake, McHenry Counties: Authorities

By Sam Borcia, Lake & McHenry County Scanner

Emergency crews kept busy responding to vehicle crashes in Lake and McHenry counties Thursday due to slippery road conditions.

On Thursday, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter storm warning for Lake, McHenry, Winnebago, Boone, and Ogle counties. The alert warned about heavy snow and brief periods of mixed precipitation beginning Thursday morning.

Ice accumulations of a light glaze were also reported. The storm warning cautioned motorists about high winds gusting up to 35-40 mph, leading to blowing snow.

Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Communication Specialist Alex Vucha said the fire district responded to five separate car crashes as of Thursday afternoon.

One of the crashes involved a vehicle that rolled over off of the roadway in the 14800 block of Kishwaukee Valley Road in unincorporated Woodstock. A female driver was able to self-extricate from the car before firefighters arrived.

She was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries, Vucha said.

McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Sandra Rogers said deputies have been responding to multiple crashes and cars in the ditch due to the winter weather.

“We encourage people to stay off the roads and drive only if necessary. If you must drive, please do so slowly and with caution. The plows are working to get roads cleared but the snow is continuing to fall heavily,” Rogers said.

In Lake County, a crash involving a school bus and a village snow plow truck was reported at Route 45 and Shady Lane in Mundelein around 2:45 p.m. Thursday.

Lake County transportation officials reported dozens of vehicle crashes throughout the county. Several of the crashes involved rollovers.

“As we approach the evening commute, please be patient on your way home and expect a slow drive. A number of accidents have been reported. The snow is falling and it’s very windy,” the Lake County Division of Transportation said.

The NWS said motorists should plan on slippery road conditions if traveling.

“Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the afternoon commute,” the storm warning said.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner is a local breaking news website covering issues that matter such as shootings, stabbings, house fires, kidnappings, car accidents, and more around Lake County and McHenry County.