January 31, 2010

Lake County News and Weather Alert

Linda Pedersen Lake County Board Member and Forest Preserve Commissioner
Linda Pedersen, District 1 Representative

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at  (847)445-5504(cell) .  
If you know others that would like the updates, please forward this on.  
 
If you have been forwarded this, I would like to be able to automatically send these updates to you.  Please click join our mailing list above. My email is lpedersen@lakecountyil.gov
 
Sincerely, 
Linda Pedersen
Lake County Board
District 1 Representative
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Winter Storm Alert

From Lake County Emergency Management Partners:

 

A significant winter storm is forecast to impact Lake County over the next several days, and the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Blizzard Watch for the entire Chicago metropolitan area from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. A blizzard includes both significant snow and very strong winds. While there is still some variance between weather models, the first round of snow is expected tonight into Tuesday morning, with perhaps two to four inches of snow, followed by the much more significant threat of heavy snow from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday. The snow Tuesday and Wednesday is expected to combine with strong winds and blizzard or near-blizzard conditions, including very low visibility and whiteout conditions. The NWS has also issued a Coastal Flood Warning for the Lake and Cook County shore of Lake Michigan, where the winds will push large waves ashore, leading to beach erosion and possible flooding and subsequent icing of low-lying roads and streets.

 

The most recent forecasts suggest that snow totals across Lake County from one to two feet are probable, with some chance of lake enhancement on Wednesday adding several more inches closer to Lake Michigan. Sustained winds of 20mph to 30mph are expected overnight Tuesday and during the day Wednesday, with gusts over 40mph possible. The strong winds will likely lead to snow drifts of several feet, and will make it a challenge for transportation personnel to keep roads clear. Isolated utility outages should be expected throughout the region.

 

Travel will be challenging Wednesday morning, and should be avoided if possible.

 

Motorists should make sure their vehicles are prepared for hazardous winter conditions, and should check windshield wiper blades and washer fluid, tires, and defrosters. Travelers should limit their travel to that which is necessary, allowing extra travel time and ensuring that cellular telephones are fully charged. Citizens should know how their business, school, or community will communicate important weather-related scheduling information, and should have a plan to communicate with family and friends regarding possible school or business closings. We encourage everyone to take this opportunity to make sure their family disaster supply kits are up-to-date.

Winter Storm Links and Information

Current National Weather Service regional forecast

  

You can check the closing status of County facilities the following ways:

 

Online: http://www.emergencyclosingcenter.com/complete.html

 Search for the facility by typing the name and city, or by the main phone number 847-377-2000.

 Call: 847-238-1234 from a touch-tone phone and enter the main phone number of the facility, 847-377-2000.

 Email: Sign up for e-mail notifications at www.emergencyclosings.com.

 

Tune in to: WGN Radio 720-AM, WBBM Radio 780-AM or watch CBS Ch. 2, NBC Ch. 5, ABC Ch. 7, FOX 32, WGN-TV or CLTV

 

Please note: Elected Officials may independently decide to close their offices.


Quick Links for Travel

Lake County Real Time Traffic 

 

Illinois DOT Travel Conditions

 

Gary-Chicago-Milwaukee Travel

 

PDA Travel Updates

Lake County Division of Transportation

Lake County DOT Will Work Around the Clock

 

Lake County assigns 25 snow plows to apply anti-icing materials, and plow County Highways during winter storm events. Crews typically begin work in advance of the storm, and continue around the clock until roads are safe again for travel.

 

When faced with significant snow accumulations, Lake County will also use additional heavy equipment, such as motorized road graders and front-end loaders to clear and push back drifted snow.

 

Division of Transportation Director Marty Buehler remindsmotorists, "Even though snow plow crews are working on the roads, it is not always possible to keep the roads clear during periods of heavy snowfall. Please remember that snow plows are there to help. Drivers should stay a minimum of 50 feet behind plows, and never attempt to pass a snow plow on the right."

 

Major Roadways in Lake County  I-94, which is operated and maintained by the Illinois Tollway

  • State roads, such as Illinois Route 41, Illinois Route 21, US Route 45 and Illinois Route 83, which are maintained by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
The County Highway system consists of 800 lane miles of arterial roads, such as Washington Street, Rollins Road, Fairfield Road and Quentin Road.  This system is operated and maintained by the Lake County Division of Transportation.

More Information

Winter weather driving tips: www.lakecountyil.gov  

Traffic conditions in Lake County: www.LakeCountyPASSAGE.com

Winter Weather Driving Tips Video (2 minutes)

Current National Weather Service regional forecast


Dental Discount Card Program

A new dental discount card program is now available that will help Lake County residents save money on their dental service expenses. The NACo Dental Discount Card Program, provided by the National Association of Counties (NACo) in partnership with Careington International Corporation, can help Lake County residents save up to 50 percent on their dental care services, and 20 percent on orthodontic services. Individuals or families may opt to pay for a monthly or yearly membership. The cost for a yearly individual membership is $59 and $69 for families. More than 200 providers in Lake County are participating in this program. Discount card holders will receive significant savings from these providers on dental cleanings, x-rays, braces, dentures, crowns, root canals and more. This plan is not insurance.

 

To sign up for the Dental Discount Card Program, residents can download a registration form at: www.nacodentalprogram.com.  A list of participating providers and more information is available.

Prescription Drug Card 

   Prescription Drug Card
 
County residents can take advantage of a prescription drug discount card program.  The free card that is accepted at most pharmacies offers average savings of 20 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.  This is intended for people without prescription coverage or on medicines not covered by your plan.  The card may also be used where accepted to fill prescriptions for pets. To print a card, click here
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