Evanston Snow Emergency, Parking Restrictions Precede Deep Freeze

EVANSTON, IL — With a winter storm warning in place through the evening commute and heavy snow accumulation anticipated across the north suburbs, Evanston has implemented snow parking restrictions.

While the highest overnight snow accumulations are forecast closer to the Wisconsin border, Evanston is forecast to see from 4 to 6 inches of snow accumulation through Monday morning. Freezing drizzle and light snow is expected through the rest of the day.

Blowing snow during Monday's morning and evening commute is expected to limit visibility and slow travel. Drivers have been urged to slow down, increase following distances and only pass snow plows when safe to do so.

As of late Sunday night, schools in Evanston and other northern Cook County suburbs were scheduled to remain open Monday. Most schools in Lake County announced plans to close. See full list of school closings

Extreme cold is forecast to follow the snow, as temperatures — after nearing the freezing point Monday morning — are anticipated to drop significantly during the rest of the week to the lowest levels since 1996, according to the National Weather Service.

By Tuesday night, it could be as cold as 20 to 30 degrees below zero, with potentially life-threatening wind chills of between 40 and 55 degrees below zero through Thursday morning.

City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz said the snow emergency would be rescinded if less than four inches of snow accumulates by 8 a.m. on Monday. The snowfall followed by "record-breaking cold on Wednesday will make for especially difficult conditions in Evanston over the next several days," he said. "In order to have as many staff as possible indoors beginning Wednesday, the City is getting a head start on its usual snow removal schedule."

Evanston's snow parking restrictions mean no parking will be allowed on the even-numbered side of the street Monday, and no parking is allowed on the odd-numbered side on Tuesday. Free parking is available at city's Sherman Plaza, 821 Davis St., Maple Avenue, 1800 Maple Ave. and Church Street, 525 Church St. garages and at Presence Saint Francis Hospital on the 5th and 6th floor overnight through midnight Tuesday.

To assist plowing operations and to make parking more convenient for residents, the City is offering residents free parking in downtown garages through Tuesday, January 29 at 11:59 p.m. Garages are located at:

With such a prolonged period of sub-zero temperatures, residents have been advised to take steps to prevent frozen pipes. Closing off drafty areas, opening cabinet doors under sinks, and running a small trickle for water from the most elevated faucet in the home can help prevent pipes from cracking and bursting.

Evanston offers an opportunity for volunteers to sign up to provide snow shoveling services to seniors and the disabled. Residents can find out more online or by calling 311 in Evanston to register for assistance or to volunteer for the program.

Warming centers are available all all public library locations and recreation centers during normal business hours:

Chandler-Newberger Center, 1028 Central St.
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd.
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St.
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center, 1823 Church St.
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge Ave.
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St.
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Robert Crown Community Center, 1701 Main St.
Monday through Sunday, 5:30 a.m. to midnight

Main Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave.
Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Evanston Public Library – North Branch, 2026 Central St.
Monday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Evanston Public Library – CAMS Branch, 900 Chicago Ave.
Monday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Village of Lincolnwood has offered a 24-hour temporary warming center at its municipal campus at 6900 N. Lincoln Ave. Call its village manager's office at 847-673-1540 for more information.