New Lenox Braces For Potential Significant Winter Storm

NEW LENOX, IL — New Lenox officials are preparing to face a potentially treacherous winter storm, as a winter storm warning has kicked into effect across Chicagoland.

Winter storm watches have shifted earlier in some places as the "significant winter storm" approaches, according to the National Weather Service.

New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann cautioned residents to look out for the elderly, disabled or others at risk. A flash freeze is possible Thursday, as temps could drop 20 to 30 degrees in just a few hours. The New Lenox Police Department, 200 Veterans Pkwy, will serve as a warming center if needed.

Since Tuesday's forecast, an earlier arrival of dangerous travel conditions is now expected on Thursday morning as opposed to Thursday evening. The storm will move in from mid-morning through mid-afternoon from west to east.

"If the storm is as expected, I plan on riding with the plows or police to monitor the situation," Baldermann told Patch.

"Brutal" travel conditions are anticipated, the weather service said. Blizzard conditions are possible as now accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are expected. AccuWeather forecasted 4 to 8 inches of snow for Chicago, with a 76 percent probability for that range.

Residents are reminded that parking on the roadway is prohibited once 2 inches of snow have has fallen. As soon as the snow depth reaches 2" or greater, all vehicles must be removed from the street. Cars found parked in violation of the ordinance could be ticketed or towed.

Snow removal is prioritized first by main thoroughfares, high volume areas and potentially dangerous areas such as railroad crossings, school zones, curves, bridges and intersections. Residential and secondary streets are second priority, followed by cul-de-sacs and dead ends.

Residents should contact Public Works with questions 815 215-4800, and are asked not to approach plow drivers directly while they are on the job.