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Officials from agencies across Chicagoland urge drivers to use caution or just stay home

By FOX 32 Digital Staff
Published  December 23, 2022 9:04am CST
News
FOX 32 Chicago

CHICAGO - Agencies like the Illinois and Indiana State Police along with Chicago's Department of Streets and Sanitation say it's just not worth the risk to drive in this weather.

Parts of northern Indiana are under a blizzard warning through Saturday morning and the state police there are strongly urging drivers to stay off the roads.  

On Thursday night as holiday travelers tried to beat the storm and get out of dodge, at least 40 crashes were reported in northwest Indiana. 

Winter storm wrecks havoc in Indiana

Indiana State Police strongly discourage travelers from making the trek from Illinois to Michigan through Northwest Indiana. There have been several crashes overnight and conditions are icy and there is little visibility.

"What you're dealing with is blowing snow. You can go from a tenth of a mile visibility, which is not great, but it's better than nothing, to visibility of 10 feet. So you'll go from a relatively decent speed down to nothing, and if you're not ready for that blowing and drifting snow you can find yourself in a ditch, or worse, against a wall," Indiana State Polcie Sgt. Glen Fifield said.

Crashes reported, flights canceled as snow hammers Chicago, northwest Indiana

At least 40 crashes were reported in northwest Indiana due to the winter storm. Travelers also made changes to their plans after flights were canceled.

There have been a few crashes reported Friday morning so far. Trooper Rodger Goines with Illinois State Patrol warns that even when road look clear, there is likely black ice. 

"Traffic has been pretty light and people have been listening and staying in," Goines said.

State Police are saying ramps on and off the highways as well as bridges are big problem areas for drivers. 

The main concern for drivers is the wind which has been flowing snow flurries across the roads making it hard for drivers to see, officials say.

Illinois State Police urge extreme caution while driving, especially on highways

The Illinois State Police says trouble areas for driver Friday morning are on ramps and bridges where icy builds up more quickly. Road conditions are especially treacherous due to gusts of blowing snow.

Meanwhile, in the city, the Chicago DSS says crews have made great progress with the main streets are now shifting focus to the neighborhoods. 

The department has deployed more than 200 snow vehicles to begin clearing residential streets. 

City crews continue to clean up Chicago's streets, officials urge drivers to use caution

The Department of Streets and Sanitation is still deploying crews to clean up the streets Friday morning. A majority of city streets are clear and crews are shifting focus to neighborhood streets. Drivers are asked to use caution when out on the roads today.

Salt spreaders have been working since the winter weather system began Thursday morning to ensure that main roads are safe and passable for emergency vehicles, public transportation, and other travelers.

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CTA buses were rerouted away from DuSable Lake Shore Drive this morning due to snow gusts coming off of the lake. 

CTA buses rerouted from DuSable Lake Shore Dive due weather coming off Lake Michigan

Those planning to commute with CTA or Metra Friday morning will see a few delays. CTA buses are being rerouted away from Lake Shore Drive and Metra trains are running on a modified schedule. Be sure to check the CTA or Metra website before braving the cold.

Frigid cold and slick road conditions are expected to continue throughout the day, and residents are urged to take precautions while traveling. DSS staff is actively monitor the weather and ground conditions.

The Illinois Department of Transportation urges drivers not to pass snow plows.