Winter Storm Update: What Libertyville Residents Need To Know

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Officials are urging local residents to keep a close eye on weather updates and reconsider traveling for the holidays as a winter storm slated to hit Libertyville and the Chicago area could lead to white-out conditions and make driving treacherous.

On Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service in Chicago issued a winter storm warning for noon Thursday through 6 a.m. Saturday. The Chicago area could expect between 2 to 5 inches of snow and wind gusts of up to 50 mph, which could lead to white-out conditions and zero visibility at times.

Wind chill values could also drop to 25 to 35 degrees below zero from Thursday night to Friday night. Officials say power outages are possible due to the strong wind gusts, and roads could quickly become ice-covered starting Thursday afternoon as temps begin to drop.

• Timing Of Major Winter Storm Moved Up: When It Could Hit Illinois

Officials with the Lake County Division of Transportation are urging residents to keep a close eye on the changing weather forecast and adjust their holiday travel plans accordingly.

Scott Hill, who will celebrate his 25th year with Lake County Division of Transportation Thursday, said the county's plow trucks will be out in full force during the winter storm. The Lake County DOT is responsible for plowing more than 280 miles of county highways, including Winchester and Butterfield roads in Libertyville.

"We have a major snowstorm moving in this week. Our plow trucks will be out there, drivers please allow them plenty of room to maneuver," said Hill in a video posted to the division of transportation's Facebook page.

LCDOT has 26 plow routes, with each of them having one dedicated plow, and those routes can be found online by checking out the county's snow plow route map, Alex Carr, deputy communications officer in Lake County, told Patch in an email response.

Carr said plow drivers will be out around the clock during the winter storm.

"We have a full stock of supplies and are ready for the storm. We are incredibly fortunate to have a full crew that will work in rotating shifts," Carr said. "We ask for everyone to please be patient, give our plow drivers plenty of room on the roads, and drive safely. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together."

Most city streets in Libertyville are plowed by the village of Libertyville and other roadways in the county not plowed by Lake County Division of Transportation, including state-managed roads including portions of Route 137 and Route 45, are plowed by the Illinois Division of Transportation's snow plow fleet.

Street plowing in Libertyville starts when snow is more than one inch deep with temperatures that indicate that it will not melt, according to village officials. In Libertyville, the village focuses its efforts in first clearing streets with high traffic volume, emergency routes and bus routes on school days before hitting residential and non-primary routes that typically do not have heavy traffic volume, according to the village's website.

Those wishing to get updates on road conditions should keep an eye on these websites or download the following apps:

• The Lake County PASSAGE website provides real-time, local traffic information. Through PASSAGE you can also sign up for email traffic alerts, twitter alerts, and smartphone apps. Another feature that can be helpful when winter weather strikes is the ability to view camera images from intersections.
• The Lake County Sheriff's Office app, Facebook page and website are good sites to keep an eye on for updates and alerts during winter storms.
• The Illinois Department of Transportation manages the Getting Around Illinois website, where you will be able to find updates Thursday and Friday regarding road conditions throughout the state.

Meanwhile, a decision regarding whether classes will be in session at District 70 schools will be made by 5:30 a.m. Thursday. Winter break begins Friday for District 70, and Community High School District 128 students are already on winter break.

D70 Superintendent Rebecca Jenkins will share an announcement to cancel classes, or to switch to an e-learning day, through an automated message and email sent to all District 70 families.The announcement will also be posted to D70's website, Facebook page and on the emergency closing center website.

The emergency closing center website will also provide updates on closures of businesses, daycares, preschools, church services and more.

Those needing a warm place to stay during the winter storm can utilize one of Lake County's several warming centers. Before going to a center, residents should call in advance to confirm availability and hours. A list of locations can be found on the Lake County website.

Village officials in Libertyville provided the following tips for how residents can help keep the village safe during a winter storm:

• Clear your sidewalk. This is especially helpful for children trying to get to school safely. Do not stack the snow at corners of intersections.
• Assist senior citizens who live nearly by shoveling their sidewalks.
• When clearing your driveway, shovel or blow the snow onto the parkway to the right side of your driveway as you face the street. This will help to reduce plow truck windrows.
• Park vehicles off the street. On-street parking is prohibited between 10 pm and 6 am during snow events.
• Watch for snow & ice removal vehicles. Be alert and vigilant of Village snow plows while driving or shoveling your sidewalk or driveway.
• Stay a minimum of 50 feet away from all snow and ice removal vehicles and machinery.
• Ensure your mailbox is 12 inches from the curb and the post is secure.
• Adopt a fire hydrant and keep it clear of snow. It's there to protect you.

Residents are also reminded that on-street parking is prohibited from 10 a.m. to 6 a.m. during snow events in Libertyville.

Patch will provide regular updates during this week's winter storm.Be sure to sign up for our email alerts and download the Patch app for the latest.