Joliet Warming Centers Ready As Arctic Blast, Winter Storm Approaches

JOLIET, IL — As the Joliet area braces for what is expected to be a significant winter storm that could bring sub-zero wind chills and blizzard-like conditions beginning on Thursday, Joliet city officials are reminding local residents of warming centers that are available for use.

The National Weather Service is forecasting that temperatures will plummet 20-30 degrees in a matter of 2-3 hours on Thursday when the winter storm is expected to hit the region. Wind gusts up to 55 mph could cause power outages and “dangerous and life-threatening” cold temperatures are expected to settle into the area through Christmas Day.

The arctic blast is expected to drop wind chills to as low as 30 degrees below zero, which could last throughout the weekend, forecasters said.

In Joliet, warming centers are available at the following locations:

• Catholic Charities, 611 E. Cass St. (815) 774-4663 (weather determines the hours)
• Daybreak Center, 611 E. Cass St. (815) 774-4663 (by request only)
• Morning Star Mission Drop-In Center, 364 E. Washington St. (entrance on Melchoir Place) 815-722-5780 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday) 1-5 p.m. (Sunday)
• Joliet City Hall, 150 W. Jefferson St. (815) 724-4000 (by request only)

Local residents are also reminded that on-street parking is prohibited in the city when more than 2 inches of snow falls. Forecasters are calling for anywhere from 2-5 inches of snow to fall on Thursday with more snow expected on Friday. The city says that vehicles parked on the streets can be obstacles to snow plows as crews are expected to be busy clearing streets, especially as blizzard-like conditions move into the area. Plowing information can be found on the city's website.

Joliet Fire Department officials said this week that local residents should make sure that they have plenty of food and water in their homes along with medical supplies, a shovel and ice melt at home in case conditions don’t allow for travel outside of the home.

Local residents should also clear their gutters to prevent ice dams and should also check home heating equipment as well as chimneys.

The city previously announced that trash and recycling pick-up services will also be altered because of the winter storm.