(OLNEY) The City of Olney has announced that a Snow Emergency is declared and will be in effect as of 7:00 this Sunday morning, January 5th, 2025, and the Snow Emergency will be in effect from then until further notice. During a Snow Emergency, parking is not allowed on any portion of a Snow Emergency Route, with the Olney Police Department authorized to issue citations and have vehicles removed from a Snow Emergency Route. Such streets are designated by posted signs that say “Snow Route – No Parking During A Snow Emergency – Tow Away Zone.” Some of streets included in the snow route are : Mack Avenue, Hall Street, Butler Street, Main Street, Elm Street, North Avenue, Ludlow Street, Walnut Street, Silver Street, East Street, Jefferson Street, Lincoln Street, Van Street, Jasper Street, Elliott Street, East Street, Whittle Avenue, and Camp Avenue. Once a Snow Emergency is in effect, the parking along these Snow Emergency Route Streets is not allowed until further notice by the City of Olney or it will be automatically terminated when any street has become substantially cleared of snow and ice from curb to curb for the length of the entire block. In regards to snow plowing, the City of Olney understands the frustrations of snow plowed from the street into driveways, but unfortunately, there is no way to avoid this if streets need to be cleared. In the case of such emergencies, the community can help by shoveling driveway aprons after the snow plows have stopped plowing and the street is cleared of snow. If residents find the need to travel on the roadways, please be vigilant as all drivers should slow down and stay back at least 100-feet from any snow plow or salt trucks. The public’s cooperation is greatly appreciated with the goal of keeping everyone safe in Olney.
(OLNEY/NEWTON) Meanwhile, those who are on township, county, and/or state highways during the forecasted snow and/or ice event are encouraged to be especially careful when traveling. All drivers should be alert to the respective snow plow trucks and trucks that are also out spreading sand and/or salt to improve roadway traction. Drivers should keep their distance from these trucks, plus slow down while meeting them on area roadways. The best option, if at all possible, is too simply stay put at home until the road conditions improve.
(NEWTON) With the anticipated snowfall and wintry weather this weekend, the City of Newton is asking all residents who normally park along city streets to please move their vehicles today or tomorrow and park them somewhere else. Newton residents should plan now and take action by tomorrow before the snow and other possible precipitation starts to fall and locate all vehicles at an alternate site, off the streets. By Newton city ordinance, if a winter storm is forecast or occurring and vehicles parked on a snow emergency route are not removed, the vehicles may be ticketed or towed at owner’s expense. It’s at this time that the cooperation of all residents in Newton is appreciated with the goal of keeping the community safe and accessible during the incoming expected weather this weekend.
(SPRINGFIELD) With the possibility of some winter weather this weekend, the Illinois Department of Transportation and others are reminding drivers to be prepared for adverse traveling conditions throughout the state. It’s at this time of the year that drivers should practice basic winter driving skills and build extra time into their schedules. As part of IDOT’s “Winter Weather – Get It Together” campaign, all drivers are encouraged to follow a list of simple rules and tips during the winter months. Some of the tips encourage drivers to have an emergency safety kit in each vehicle, with items such as extra clothing and/or blankets, fresh water and snacks, a cell phone charger, a shovel and broom, and more. Plus, if traveling on an extended trip, let family or others know the route of travel and when and where arrival is expected. Also, make sure those vehicle fuel tanks stay as full as possible at all times. Go to the idot.illinois.gov website to look over the list, plus before planning a trip and leaving the house, go online to IDOT’s GettingAroundIllinois.com website for updates. The public can also follow the Illinois Department of Transportation on Facebook and X.