Updated January 5, 2014
Extreme cold weather, combined with a snowstorm hit Peoria this weekend.
The National Weather Service has warned of considerable snowfall, with total storm accumulations of 5 to 9 inches. Traffic Collision alerts have been posted for East Peoria, Peoria and Peoria County. Officers will respond to hit and run accidents, injury accidents and accidents involving a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Parties involved in non-injury accidents in which the cars are driveable should exchange information and arrange to make a report at the Peoria Police Department within 36 hours of the end of the collision alert. In addition, a Snow Route parking ban is in effect for the City of Peoria until further notice.
Temperatures will continue to drop during the day Sunday reaching an overnight low of -19. Wind speeds of up to 30 MPH will continue today and overnight. Because of these strong winds, snow drifts will appear and will cover plowed streets quickly. Wind chill values will be -32 to -42 degrees tonight. The forecasted high temperature for Monday is -10 degrees with overnight lows of -14. Strong, gusty winds on Monday and Tuesday will make for wind chills of between -36 and -46. Monday's low will be -14, and Tuesday's high temperature will be 4 above.
The National Weather Service provides the following advice:
*If you must be outside, dress warmly in multiple layers, and limit the amount of exposed skin. Frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes, and hypothermia will be a serious threat for people that must be outside for an extended period of time.
*Should your furnace fail, do not use ovens or outdoor grills to warm your home, as they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or fires. Go to a friend or family member's home, or check with your local municipality to see if they have warming shelters established.
*Be sure to know how to turn off your water supply should the pipes burst.
*Animals should be brought to an indoor shelter.
Snowfall is predicted to be worse farther south, with up to 12 inches around Springfield.
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency recommends if you must travel, that you equip your vehicle with an emergency supply kit to keep you safe in case you are stranded along the road.
A vehicle preparedness kit should include: a cell phone and charger, flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, snack foods and water, blankets, extra warm clothing, gloves and hats, sand or kitty litter, shovel, windshield scraper, booster cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, and a tool kit.
Additionally, always keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to help prevent the vehicle’s fuel line from freezing.
PEORIA
All residents are urged to avoid being outside on Monday if at all possible. Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis says the city is used to snow and cold temperatures, but nothing quite like this. He’s asking people to check on family, friends and neighbors, especially the elderly or infirm.
The City of Peoria is opening Fire Stations, and the lobby of the Police Department headquarters, as warming centers. (See list below)
The Red Cross is on standby to open temporary warming centers.
Peoria City street crews will be treating and plowing primary and residential streets throughout the event. However, at extremely low temperatures, road salt is ineffective. Combined with blowing snow, even primary roads may remain snow packed into Monday and Tuesday.
City Facilities Open as Warming Centers
Fire Central505 NE Monroe St.
Fire Station #3 1204 W. Armstrong Ave
Fire Station #42711 Sw Jefferson Ave.
Fire Station #8832 W. Hurlburt St.
Fire Station #103316 N. Wisconsin Ave.
Fire Station #111025 W. Florence Ave.
Fire Station #123004 Ne Adams St.
Fire Station #132114 W. Richwoods Blvd.
Fire Station #15717 W. Detweiller Dr.
Fire Station #162105 W. Northmoor Rd.
Fire Station #19719 Frostwood Pkwy.
Fire Station #202020 W. Wilhelm Rd.
Police Headquarters (Lobby) 600 SW Adams
City Hall (Room 400; 8 am – 5 pm) 419 Fulton St.
PEKIN
The City of Pekin is enforcing a City-wide Parking Ban starting Saturday night (12:01a.m. Sunday). That’s in preparation for the three to seven inches of snow expected. Vehicles remaining on the Pekin City streets after this time will be ticketed and possibly towed. The parking ban is in effect until further notice.
TAZEWELL COUNTY
The Tazewell County Health Department is rescheduling services for Monday, January 6th and Tuesday, January 7th. The National Weather Service of Central Illinois is advising wind chills of 20 below to 35 below zero early next week. Staff members are calling clients to reschedule for WIC, Family Case Management visits, and Dental Center appointments.
Contact TCHD to reschedule services:
WIC at 309-925-5511, ext 235 or Dental Center at 309-382-2229.
Or visit our website at www.tazewellhealth.org.
Visit keepwarm.illinois.gov to find a warming center near you or call the IDHS hotline at (800) 843-6154.