Blizzard Warning Issued through Wednesday
With a severe winter storm expected to take place Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday, the City of Evanston reminds residents to monitor the latest weather forecasts and make preparations ahead of time to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning through Wednesday. A Blizzard Watch means sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph / 15 m/s or greater with heavy snow forecasted for a period of 3 hours or more. This can lead to whiteout conditions that make travel very dangerous and potentially life threatening. Residents are encouraged to visit the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov for current weather forecasts.
City officials encourage all residents to stay off the roads and stay indoors during this storm if possible. City plows will have an easier time clearing roadways if they are free of vehicles. With the anticipated 40 to 50 mile per hour winds associated with this storm, snow removal will be more difficult than normal. Please plan ahead and make necessary trips now while the weather is still good. If you absolutely must travel during this storm, please make sure you have a winter storm survival kit with you.
Snow Parking Regulations
Residents are reminded that they should not leave their vehicles parked on the street during winter storms, as it makes snowplowing more difficult and leaves large amounts of snow on the roadway. See the City of Evanston’s snow parking regulations to prepare yourself for the pending snow declarations that will be issued… here>>>
Driving during snow removal operations
Give snow plows enough room to do their jobs safely:
- Don’t follow too closely behind the plow;
- Don’t pass a snow plow on the right;
- Slow down!
Visibility may be reduced due to blowing snow caused by plowing.
Preparation Tips
The city offers the following tips to stay safe during inclement winter weather:
- Have safe emergency heating equipment available.
- Have disaster supplies, such as a flashlight, portable radio, first aid kit and three-day supply of food, available in case the power goes out.
- Stay indoors and dress warmly.
- Conserve fuel.
- If you must go outdoors, dress warmly and wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
- Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance – infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.
- A full list of tips can be found here>>>
Warming Centers
The City of Evanston offers a variety of services to protect the public from extreme cold temperatures. Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outside, can be dangerous to anyone, but particularly the elderly, infants and young children, persons with disabilities and people on medication. Learn more about extreme cold here>>>
During times of extreme cold, residents are encouraged to take advantage of warming centers across the city during normal business hours:
• Chandler-Newberger Center at 1028 Central Street,
• Ecology Center at 2024 McCormick Blvd.
• Fleetwood-Jourdain Center at 1655 Foster St.
• Noyes Cultural Arts Center at 927 Noyes St.
• Levy Senior Center at 300 Dodge Ave.
• Robert Crown Center at 1701 Main St.
Snow Removal
Homeowners and building landlords are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after a 4″snowfall. Landlords are also responsible for clearing parking lots within 24 hours after a 4″ snowfall.
When shoveling a sidewalk, please clear a path that is at least 36 inches wide to allow everyone, including children, people with disabilities and the elderly, to travel freely using the sidewalks instead of the streets. If snow is packed and difficult to remove, it’s acceptable to use salt or sand to make them passable. Please be aware of elderly or disabled neighbors who can’t shovel their own walks and offer to help them clear snow if you are able.
Snow Shoveling Program for Seniors & Disabled
This City of Evanston is happy to connect the elderly and disabled with volunteers that are willing to assist with snow shoveling; this new program has been developed to assist these community members in need. Those requesting assistance will be provided a list of individuals in the community that are willing and able to assist!
Please encourage Evanston seniors or those with disabilities needing assistance with shoveling sidewalks and driveways to contact the Levy Center at 847/448-8250 or aging@cityofevanston.org for a list of volunteers who may be able to assist them. Fill out the online Request for Snow Shoveling Assistance form here>>>.
Learn more about the program here>>>