Algonquin, LITH Public Works Crews Prep For Winter Storm

ALGONQUIN AND LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — Public works crews in Lake in the Hills and Algonquin are prepping for the Chicago area's first major snowstorm of the season, which could wreak havoc on holiday travel plans for many.

In Lake in the Hills, all plow trucks have been checked and will be loaded with salt and liquid de-icer by the end of Wednesday, Ryan McDillon, public works director for the village of Lake in the Hills, told Patch in an email response.

"The village has plenty of salt and de-icing liquid on hand to use throughout the storm. Crews will plow and treat the streets until the snow stops and streets are clear," McDillon said.

Residents are reminded to get their cars off the streets during the snowstorm.

Public works crews in Algonquin are going through all plow trucks Wednesday, checking fluids, lights, tires and hydraulic hoses to make sure everything is ready to roll when the snow starts.

"All trucks and equipment capable of plowing will be fully set up today, as well all main line and salt trucks will be preloaded with salt and parked in the garage today in preparation for tomorrow," Vince Kilcullen, general services superintendent for the village of Algonquin, told Patch.

Snow plows will be deployed once the storm starts.

"We will continue to plow around the clock with two crews until the snow and wind has subsided," Kilcullen said.

Meanwhile, recycling and garbage pickup has been moved from Friday to Thursday morning for residents. If your normal pickup day is Friday, you should instead have your recycling and garbage out by 7 a.m. Thursday.

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 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.

• 1.7M Cars Projected To Hit IL Roads As Winter Storm Approaches

AccuWeather forecasted gave a "poor" travel outlook for both Thursday and Friday.

In Chicago, with 2.9 million travelers expected at the city's O'Hare and Midway airports, airlines were offering travel waivers in anticipation of flight cancellations.

This is a developing story. Patch will update with more information as it becomes available.