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

By Shannon Antinori (Patch Staff)
National Weather Service screenshot.

The National Weather Service said a winter storm warning will be r eplaced 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.

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.

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.”

DuPage County Winter Season Information

View a map of warming centers or download a list of warming centers located in DuPage County. Please be sure to call a warming center before going to one, as some are only open during emergencies, such as large-scale power outages.

Residents can also call their local police departments to find out the location of a warming center in their area.

Follow these tips to stay safe in cold weather:

• Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low.
• Have a disaster supply kit ready. Your kit should include flashlights, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, food and water, first aid kit, medications, pet supplies, and other materials that can help you in the event of a power outage or if you are unable to leave your house.
• Be sure to also have a vehicle emergency supply kit that contains food, blankets, and other materials that will help in case you get stranded
• Don’t forget family pets – bring them indoors. If that’s not possible, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.
• Be patient - drive slow and leave plenty of room between vehicles
• Please do not pass plow trucks on the right - stay far behind them

Please view this Winter Weather Preparedness Guide from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to learn more about how to be prepared for winter weather.

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