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Springfield, Central Illinois Under Winter Storm Warning

National Weather Service

The first snowfall of the new year is expected to dump several inches this weekend on central Illinois.  

Snow is forecast to begin falling in the capital city by late Friday afternoon.  By late Saturday, Springfield could see as much as 9 inches.  From the National Weather Service:

National Weather Service Lincoln IL
335 AM CST Fri Jan 11 2019

.A winter storm system will track across the southern plains today.
As the system moves east toward the southeastern US snow will
spread into central Illinois tonight and continue through the day
Saturday. Some of the snow will become mixed with rain on
Saturday, mainly in areas along and south of I-70. Total snowfall
of 7-9 inches is expected to occur along and south of a Rushville
to Lincoln to Danville line, with 5 to 7 inches of snowfall expected
north of this line. Most of the snow will occur between 6 pm this
evening and 6 pm Saturday evening, when 5 to 8 inches is expected.
The highest amounts of snow will occur over southwest Illinois
where totals could reach 8 to 9 inches.

Much of the NPR Illinois listening area is now under a Winter Storm Warning from 6 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Saturday.  Heaviest amounts predicted south of Springfield.
Follow the National Weather Service for more details.
 
Springfield, Illinois - The City of Springfield’s Office of Public Works announced that with the anticipated snow fall tonight, a Snow Emergency will be in effect on designated snow routes starting at 6:00 p.m. Friday, January 11 and ending at 6:00 a.m. Monday, January 14. The department is anticipating in excess of 5 inches of snow.   

The public is asked to remove their parked vehicles from the marked snow emergency routes by 6:00 p.m. tonight, Friday, January 11. To access the Snow Emergency Route Map along with the city’s Snow & Ice Removal Policy, visit www.springfield.il.us/snow.

Drivers are reminded to watch for snow removal crews and allow them room to do their work. Persons clearing private parking lots and sidewalks are reminded not to plow the snow into the streets. It is a violation of city ordinance and doing so makes unsafe driving conditions. During a severe winter storm, residents can call the Office of Public Works to report any problems or concerns at 217.789.2246.

***

Sangamon County has declared a Level 1 Winter Weather Emergency, in effect at 8:00 p.m. this evening until further notice.  The declaration applies only to county highways.  Under a Level 1 Winter Weather Emergency, roadways are open, but considered hazardous.  Drivers will encounter blowing and drifting snow and should use extreme caution. 

Road conditions will be monitored throughout the evening.  If necessary, the emergency level may be adjusted based upon those changing conditions. The media will be notified of any changes.  In addition, motorists are encouraged to access the Sangamon County Website (www.co.sangamon.il.us) and click on the quick link “Winter Weather County Highway Road Condition Map” to see the latest driving conditions on Sangamon County highways.  Given the large geographic size of Sangamon County, not all areas of the county may be experiencing the same winter weather conditions.  The map can provide more localized conditions, especially as the roads are treated and cleared.

BACKGROUND: The Sangamon County Board has established a three level system as outlined below with the intention of more accurately defining what a winter weather emergency means;

LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous. Drivers may encounter blowing and drifting snow and roadways may be icy. Drivers should use caution.

LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and may be icy. There are areas where the roadways may be partially closed by the elements. Travel on County Highways is discouraged. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. Emergency personnel may not be able to respond in a timely manner if you are stranded.

LEVEL 3: Weather conditions have fully closed the County Highways. No one should be out during these conditions. Emergency personnel will not be able to respond in a timely manner if you are stranded.

The Chairman of the Sangamon County Board shall make the declaration of the Winter Weather Emergency Level after consulting with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, the Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management, the Sangamon County Highway Department and others departments or agencies if necessary.

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