Chicago Heights: Post Snow, What To Know

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — Wish it was spring already? Many will agree if you answered yes. A snowstorm that started over the weekend and lasted into Tuesday morning dumped more than a foot of snow on some areas, with the highest snowfall total so far — nearly 18 inches — seen at Midway airport.

Cook County was hit the hardest, but other areas, including parts of Will County, got as much as 9 inches in some places. The National Weather Service has yet to specify the amount of snow fall Chicago Heights received from the storm, but here are some things to know when going about your day.

No Trash Pick-Up

Republic Services is postponing garbage pickup for Tuesday, Feb. 16 due to heavy snowfall. The company's sites will also be closed.

Routes are being pushed back a day, and the disposal service will be servicing customers Wednesday through Saturday to make up for Tuesday, similar to a holiday week. In other words, if your regular garbage collection is Tuesday, it's going to be delayed by a day.

Make Sure Those Fire Hydrants Are Clear

If a fire were to occur, firefighters would have to dig the snow out from the hydrants near your home, as minutes go by and flames continue to burn.

Out of caution, check the hydrants near your home for snow coverage. Clear at least three feet of snow around the hydrants, and create a path opening from the hydrant to the street.

Snow Plows

As a way to keep the streets as clear as possible, parking on the street is prohibited after two inches of snow has fallen. Help public works keep the roads clean by parking your car elsewhere, if able to.

Learn more about the snow plow plan on the city's website.

Don't go out if you don't have to

The National Weather Service advised motorists to use caution, as blowing and drifting snow continued to reduce visibility on the roads. Localized heavy lake effect snowfall rates could also continue near Lake Michigan through the morning, with hazardous travel conditions due to snow-covered roads.
Authorities urged residents to:

• Consider postponing non-essential travel
• Bring an emergency kit if you must drive
• Check road conditions before leaving
• Take it slow when shoveling snow

The area could get more snow in the coming days, with light snow possible Wednesday night and more snow — most likely near the lake) on Thursday.
Friday and Saturday are expected to be partly sunny with highs in the low 20s.