Agencies from across the area are preparing for severe weather as heavy snow and high winds will begin to impact the region this weekend.
The snowstorm, which could dump anywhere from four to eight inches of snow, or possibly more, across the area has already forced some cancellations as agencies prepare for the rough weather.
Amtrak canceled train service from Chicago to the East Coast on two different lines, as service on the Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited lines will not be active on Saturday.
Other services could be impacted, but the rail agency says commuters and travellers should keep an eye on the service’s website for more details.
Locally, Metra and South Shore lines will both proceed as scheduled his weekend, the agencies announced, but said that delays are possible, and that commuters should be careful on train platforms and in parking lots as the storm rolls through.
“Crews will be working continuously to minimize the severe weather impact, but some train delays may be possible,” the agency said in a statement.
Metra says that any disruptions in service will be posted to the agency’s mobile app and sent out on social media pages.
Local
For those taking to the roads this weekend, the Illinois State Police and Department of Transportation are both urging motorists to postpone unnecessary travel. The state police say that they assisted over 1,200 motorists during a snowstorm last weekend, and responded to nearly 400 traffic crashes during that time.
If you must travel, ISP and IDOT make the following recommendations:
-Move over and slow down for emergency vehicles and snowplows
-Dress warmly, and dress in layers.
-Ensure you keep plenty of gas in your tank in case you become stranded.
-Watch out for black ice, especially in intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shady areas.
-Put together an emergency car kit that contains jumper cables, a flashlight, an ice scraper, blankets, gloves, food, water, and a first-aid kit.
