Local

Park Forest Public Works Prepares For Blizzard


Central Park in January
Hurry if you’re hoping to spend some time on the playground equipment in Central Park. You might not be able to see it Wednesday. (ENEWSPF)

Updated: 1-31-11 7:58 p.m.

Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– The forecasts call for anywhere between 12 and 20-inches of snow between Tuesday night through Wednesday. Some news organizations have tossed around words like blizzard, ice storm, even snowzilla.

Officials prepared the following for the Village Web site:

Public Works is preparing equipment and crews for the forecasted blizzard warning. Crews will be out plowing snow for Monday night’s snow and for Tuesday to Wednesday’s forecast.

Due to the amount of snow anticipated, Public Works is requesting that residents remove cars parked on village streets by utilizing their driveways. This will allow Public Works crews to remove snow from village streets more effectively and efficiently. This may also reduce the risk of cars becoming “snowed in” or the chance of becoming damaged by motorist driving under these conditions.

Two crews will be targeting main routes first and then proceed to removing snow from the smaller side streets. Be mindful that with this weather forecast, power outages may happen. If you experience a power outage, notify ComEd at 1-800-edison1 (1-800-334-7661).

Park Forest Public Works is gearing up. Director Ken Eyer says the Village has about 250 tons of salt on hand with more on order. Deputy Village Manager Mary Dankowski conducted a staff meeting today "preparing for the worst," Eyer said in an email.

Our chances of seeing that snow? Right now, Weather.com says 90% tonight, 100% Tuesday, and 100% Wednesday. The National Weather Service concurs, calling for snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches tonight, with lows 17 to 21, northeast winds 10 to 20 mph. Tuesday afternoon, the forecast is for wind, clouds and snow, areas of blowing snow in the afternoon. Snow accumulation is expected to be between 1 to 3 inches, with highs in the mid 20s, northeast winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph at times.

Beginning Tuesday night, all bets are off.

The National Weather Service says to expect wind, and lots of it, with periods of snow and a slight chance of thunderstorms. There will be areas of blowing snow with visibility one quarter mile or less at times. Snow may be heavy at times.

According to the National Weather Service, snow accumulation will be of 11 to 16 inches, with lows of 15 to 19, northeast winds 30 to 40 mph, and gusts up to 50 mph in the evening increasing to 55 mph after midnight.

On Wednesday the fun will continue, with wind, areas of blowing snow with visibility one quarter mile or less at times in the morning. There will be periods of snow in the morning, and a chance of light snow in the afternoon. Several inches of accumulation are possible, highs in the mid 20s, north winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph at times in the morning decreasing to 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph at times in the afternoon.

Warming centers include the Tennis and Health Club, the court room a the Park Forest Police Department and the Board Room at Village Hall.

Again, residents are encouraged to stay off the roads as much as possible when the snow starts and to park cars in driveways. Please check on the well-being of others, particularly elderly neighbors.

Related:


ARCHIVES