Winter Storm Report: Western Springs Forecast, Driving Conditions, Safety Info

Western Springs, IL - As winds pick up and snowfall collects on streets and sidewalks, drivers are advised to use extra caution when traveling through dangerous conditions with low visibility.

Winds are expected to increase Wednesday afternoon, with gusts up to 45 mph, according to the National Weather Service, Chicago.

Periodic white-out conditions are expected, with visibility decreasing to nearly a quarter of a mile as winds blow through snow. The evening commute is expected to be particularly hazardous.

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The Tollway’s Snow Operations Center is open to manage the agency’s systemwide response, and more than 200 staff and supervisors per shift are available to make sure roadways are kept clear of snow and ice.

Metra has also dispatched extra crews to focus on clearing the snow at stations and rail facilities.

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 4 a.m. Feb. 25. Snowfall is expected to continue through the afternoon, with various amounts of accumulation across the advisory area and higher accumulations expected in the southeastern part of the counties, but north and west areas could still see 2-4 inches.

• » View an up-to-date local weather forecast

Parking is not allowed on Western Springs streets when there is 4 inches of snow or more. Enforcement will take place for 12 hours after a snow event, according to the village. Clear streets allow village crews to salt and plow when snow accumulates more than 2 inches. The village has provided a list of frequently asked questions regarding snow removal.

The National Weather Service advises that this type of wet, heavy snow and strong winds could lead to power outages. As of early Wednesday afternoon, there were no reported power outages in Western Springs, according to the ComEd outage map. You can scroll down to view the outage map or click here to learn how to report a power outage to ComEd.

• » Check Chicago-area school closings

Information is available to help find Cook County warming centers. A downloadable list of DuPage County warming centers is also available. Always call a warming center before going to one, since some open only during large-scale emergencies.

The National Weather Service has provided the following tips for winter storm safety.

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Detailed Forecast for Western Springs, via the National Weather Service.

Wednesday afternoon: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 35. Breezy, with a north wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Wednesday night: Snow, mainly before 10pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 28. Blustery, with a north northwest wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 34. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 48.

Saturday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 38.

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