Plainfield Under Daylong Winter Storm Warning With Snow Nearing

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield will be under a winter storm warning for nearly a full day, with a storm expected to drop up to 5 inches of snow throughout the region starting Monday afternoon.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Will County area that runs from 1 p.m. Monday to noon Tuesday. Forecasts are calling for light snowfall to start around 1 p.m. Monday, and heavier snow Monday night.

There is a 100 percent chance of precipitation Monday night in Plainfield, according to National Weather Service forecasts that indicate there could be up to 5 inches of snow on the ground by Tuesday evening.

There is a 20 percent chance for more snow showers Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Thursday is expected to be partly cloudy with a high near 22 degrees. Friday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 29 degrees, though there is a chance of rain and snow on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Snow will likely be heavy, wet and difficult to shovel. Dangers of shoveling heavy show include slips and falls, sprained backs, hypothermia, dehydration and heart attack.

According to the American Heart Association, before you pick up that shovel, you should:

• Avoid eating a heavy meal.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Use a small shovel, as lifting heavy snow can increase blood pressure.
• Learn the dangers of hypothermia and dress in layers.
• Know the signs of a heart attack: Chest discomfort, pain in the arm, neck or jaw; cold sweat; nausea; and shortness of breath. Stop immediately and seek medical help if you notice any of these symptoms.

Also important, if your car becomes snow covered, before you start digging it out, make sure the tail pipe is clear. Remove snow from car exhaust pipe(s) before sitting in the car and letting it warm up. Failure to remove snow can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure there is ample room for air to circulate behind your car to allow any exhaust to dissipate and not build up around your car.
If you must head out on the road, officials recommend having a winter storm survival kit with you. According to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, in addition to any medication you may need if you get stranded, your car should be stocked with:

• Cell phone and charger
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Knife
• High calorie, non-perishable food
• Water
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• A large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
• A smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand (or cat litter) for traction on snow and ice
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope with loops (avoid chains and hooks if at all possible)
• Booster cables
• Water container
• Compass and road map

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