NWS Issues Blizzard Warning: 'Life-Threatening Conditions Expected'

National Weather Service screenshot.

The National Weather Service said a winter storm warning will be replaced with a blizzard warning starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, continuing until midnight, with heavy snowfall and accumulation of up to 18 inches in some areas.

Areas including Will, Grundy and Kendall counties should expect heavy snow at times, continuing until early evening, the NWS said. Blizzard conditions will develop late Sunday afternoon, continuing into the evening.

Snow accumulation of 10-15 inches is expected, with isolated totals of up to 18 inches, the NWS said.

• Emergency Closing Center: Chicago-Area School, Daycare, Businesses, Libraries

Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are possible Sunday afternoon, and the combination of falling and blowing snow will frequently reduce visibility to near zero in white-out conditions late in the afternoon and evening, according to the NWS.

“Snow-covered roads will make travel difficult. By afternoon ... the combination of the snow and very strong winds will make travel extraordinarily dangerous,” the NWS said in the warning.

The NWS urged residents to travel only in an emergency. If you must travel, check your car battery, tires and washer fluid, and carry a blanket, food and water, flashlight and a shovel, the NWS said.

“If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you,” the NWS said in the warning. “If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.”

The Will County Emergency Management Agency offers these extreme cold safety tips:

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
• Wear mittens instead of gloves.
• Wear water-repellent clothing.
• Wear a hat.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Make sure small children, infants, and the elderly stay warm. They are more vulnerable to the cold.
• Take advantage of warming centers, public park facilities, and heated stores and malls.
• Where possible, try to keep one room in your home heated to 68-70 degrees.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Eat high energy foods and drink warm beverages.
• Beware of overexertion; shoveling snow or pushing disabled cars can be very strenuous and should only be done by individuals in good health.

Safe heating tips:

• Electric heaters can be hazardous and should be used with caution to prevent shock, fire, and burns. Follow the usage instructions carefully and keep clothing and blankets away from heating elements.
• Carbon monoxide can kill. Be careful using fireplaces; make sure flues are clear and properly ventilated.
• Gas ovens, burners, and charcoal should never be used to heat your home.
• NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation.
• Make sure your car is in good operating condition before using it in extreme cold.
• Keep condensation (water) out of your gas tank by keeping the tank as full as possible.
• Maintain a storm kit in your car with items such as a cell phone and charger; blankets; extra clothing; jumper cables; a flashlight; high-calorie, non-perishable food; and matches or a lighter.
• Plan your trip carefully. If cold, snowy, or icy conditions exceed your ability or your car’s ability, don’t travel.
• Tell someone about your travel plans.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.

Click here for a full list of Will County warming centers and information on hours of operation.

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