State Of Emergency Declared In IL Ahead Of Winter Storm: Pritzker

SPRINGFIELD, IL – As Illinois residents brace for what is forecasted to be a heavy dose of winter weather over the next few days, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has issued a disaster declaration for the state, the governor announced Tuesday.

Pritzker on Tuesday activated 130 members of the Illinois National Guard to ensure that all state resources are in place to prepare for Winter Storm Landon. Forecasters are saying that certain portions of Illinois could see between 1-2 feet of snow between Tuesday night and Thursday.

Closer to Chicago, forecasters with the National Weather Service are expecting 5-11 inches of snow starting Tuesday night, with the heaviest expected south of the city. A second round of snow is expected to arrive Wednesday night into Thursday.

Central Illinois could see up to 20 inches of snow, with blizzard/whiteout conditions likely. Western Illinois and into the Chicago area will remain under winter storm warning, with heavy rain in Southern Illinois.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has been directed by the governor to coordinate a “robust” statewide effort that will include more than 1,800 Illinois Department of Transportation trucks and plows along with Illinois State Police troopers to assist motorists. The National Weather Service has said that travel could become treacherous during the next two days.

“I’m authorizing a disaster proclamation for Winter Storm Landon, effective immediately, to support local government disaster response and recovery operations wherever necessary,” Pritzker said in a statement Tuesday. “I want to assure county and local officials and everyone in the path of the storm that my administration will provide resources every step of the way.

“On the ground, all state assets stand ready to assist. I encourage everyone to do what you can to stay safe: listen to local authorities to stay up to date with the latest conditions in your community and make sure your household has essentials.”

IEMA’s State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield will be activated to coordinate the state’s response to the storm, the governor’s office said in a news release. Representatives from relevant state agencies will staff the operations center 24 hours a day throughout the storm and quickly deploy resources to impacted communities.

Soldiers and airmen from the National Guard will be assigned as winter weather platoons, with each platoon consisting of approximately 18 soldiers equipped with six High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles and one Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck Wrecker, the release from Pritzker's office said. The Airmen, from the 182nd Airlift Wing, based in Peoria, will also be equipped with six Humvees.

“While most people will be watching this week’s weather event unfold from the comfort of their home, the Illinois National Guard will be braving the cold weather and snow alongside local and state first responders as they assist to protect life and property, and alleviate suffering in the communities where they will be assigned,” Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, said in a statement.

IDOT officials said that if motorists encounter a plow or any maintenance vehicle during their travels, they are asked to slow down, increase their driving distance and remain patient. Drivers should not attempt to pass other motorists, as conditions in front of the plow will be worse than behind it.

Because of the storm’s potential, non-essential travel is strongly discouraged, the state police said.

School closings begin

In the Chicago area, some school districts have already announced that they are closing campuses Wednesday, with some switching to online learning.

As of just before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, buildings were slated to close Wednesday in Forest Ridge School District 142 in Oak Forest, District 17 in Channahon and in Burr Ridge.

Check back with Patch for updates on school closings, or visit the Emergency Closing Center.