Thursday, February 24, 3:30 p.m.
Emergency Management Partner Update
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Lake County from 6:00 p.m. tonight through 9:00 a.m. Friday. A storm system is forecast to move across our area overnight tonight, bringing periods of intense snow and gusty winds. While snow could begin in some areas as early as 6:00 p.m. tonight, little accumulation is expected in Lake County until after midnight. Snowfall could be intense for several hours, sometime between midnight and 9:00 a.m., with accumulations of two to four inches of snow possible. Higher snow amounts are possible south of Lake County. Blustery north-east winds of 15 to 20 mph will accompany the intense snow, and may cause some blowing and drifting problems. With the most intense snowfall likely occurring just prior to or during the morning commute, travel could be adversely impacted on Friday morning. Drivers should allow extra time and increase following distance during the Friday morning commute.
As a reminder, the Lake County Division of Transportation's Traffic Management Center, "Lake County Passage," is the best source for current travel conditions within Lake County. Information is available through the Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) system at 1620AM, or on the web at www.LakeCountyPassage.com. Another round of winter weather is possible Friday night through Saturday morning, and forecasters are watching a separate system that may impact our area early next week.
In addition to the Winter Weather Advisory, the NWS has continued flood warnings for Lake County. The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) continues to operate at Yellow Flood alert (maintaining) status, based on the ongoing low-level flooding that is occurring along the upper Des Plaines River and Fox River basins. High water conditions continue, with the Des Plaines River at Russell currently just over flood stage and the Fox River at New Munster Wisconsin slowly receding from near the moderate flood stage.
High inflows from the Fox River and other tributaries have increased water levels on the Chain O'Lakes to summer pool levels. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has adjusted gate settings to work to restore some storage capacity in the system, passing as much water as possible without causing widespread or significant flood impacts on the Fox River below the Chain O'Lakes. Some minor yard flooding is likely throughout the Fox - Chain O'Lakes system, though no widespread significant flooding is currently forecast.
Lake County Stormwater Management and Emergency Management will continue to monitor the flooding situation and provide updates when appropriate.
Please monitor your usual weather information sources for the most up-to-date weather information. We always encourage people to visit the NWS website for the Chicago area at http://www.weather.gov/chicago.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us, during office hours (Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at 847-377-7100, or after hours through the Lake County Sheriff's 9-1-1 center at 847-549-5200.
