February 8, 2018 By

Message from Alderman Hopkins – 2018 Winter Storm Advisory

Dear Neighbor,

I spent my day coordinating with the Commissioner of the Department and Streets & Sanitation and the 2nd Ward Superintendent, making sure that we are ready for this weekend’s winter storm.

A Winter Storm Warning is forecasted to begin 6:00 pm on Thursday, February 8, and is expected to last well into Friday night. Chicago could get up to 14” of snow over the duration of the storm, with an additional 1-3” of snow possible on Saturday and Sunday as well.

To ensure residents are prepared, here are some helpful tips:

• It is encouraged to stay off the roads during this storm if you can help it. Road conditions and visibility are expected to be very poor. Check the Emergency Closing Center to see the status of Chicagoland schools, businesses, daycare centers & organizations. http://www.emergencyclosingcenter.com/complete.html
• The Department of Streets and Sanitation is expecting to deploy as many drivers and vehicles onto surface streets to keep up with the snow. Snowplows will focus on keeping arterial streets clear during the snow storm for emergency vehicles. Follow Chicago’s Plow Tracker online.
• Once it is determined by Street Operations that the arterial streets are safe and clear, only then will plow trucks be deployed into residential streets.
• This may include pulling garbage trucks and drivers to help clear the streets. If your garbage is not picked up on Friday, please send at e-mail to ward02@cityofchicago.org and john.geahan@cityofchicago.org and indicate the address with the missed pickup.
• Try and keep your sidewalks clear during the storm as often as you can. Lend a hand to seniors in keeping their sidewalks clear as well.
• When shoveling your sidewalks or driveways, please DO NOT SHOVEL SNOW INTO THE STREET. Adding additional snow onto the street makes it more difficult to keep the street safe and clear.
• Avoid parking your vehicle on arterial streets if possible and be sure you are not parking your car along any of the streets on the overnight parking ban map.

Chicago Public Schools has announced all schools will be closed on Friday, February 9.

The 2nd Ward Service Office will be open on Friday, February 9 with regular hours, and will be closed on Monday, February 12 in observance of Lincoln’s Birthday. Over the weekend, staff and I will be actively monitoring the storm. To report snow-related issues, please send an email to Ward02@cityofchicago.org, or send a tweet to @AldermanHopkins.
Stay Safe and Warm,

Alderman Brian Hopkins
2nd Ward

Filed Under: Community