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11/27/18: Winter Storm Update and Information Regarding ComEd and Warming Centers

November 27, 2018 

Winter Storm Information
An early season winter storm brought heavy snowfall and wind gusts of 40-50 mph throughout Lake County creating blizzard conditions overnight. The combination of heavy, wet snow and high winds caused downed tree limbs, power outages, and challenging road conditions. According to the National Weather Service, all warnings have expired for Highland Park. Snowfall has tapered off but winds will continue which may produce some blowing and drifting snow. No further accumulating snow is forecast however frigid temperatures will reach a low of 11 °F overnight Monday into Tuesday.
 
Traffic Conditions
City Public Works crews have been working around the clock clearing snow and ice from roadways.  Sidewalk plowing crews have been activated and will be working throughout the City to clear sidewalks. Please note that it will take 24-48 hours to clear approximately 120 miles of residential sidewalks. Drivers are asked to use caution by slowing down and leaving extra space between your vehicle and any vehicle in front of you. Please keep a safe distance from snow plow trucks. As a reminder, the City prohibits removing snow or ice from any driveway or private property and depositing it onto public streets as the deposited snow and ice creates a traffic hazard. Traffic conditions throughout Lake County can be found online at Lake County Passage.
 
ComEd Information
The winter storm has caused numerous power outages throughout the Chicago area. The outages are due to heavy, wet snow accumulations on tree limbs which fall onto power lines and equipment, and also due to the high winds overnight. ComEd has reported that as of 10:20 AM, there are approximately 914 customers without power in Highland Park. ComEd crews are being dispatched to outages and working as quickly as possible to restore power in Highland Park and throughout the region. Please continue to report power outages to ComEd by calling 1.800.edison1 or online at www.ComEd.com. 
 
There are several locations for which an estimated time of restoration has not yet been provided. The City is in regular communication with ComEd and has relayed to ComEd the importance of communicating estimated times of restoration. ComEd has proactively adjusted staffing and resources to respond to outage activity. ComEd is continuing to provide updates to their online outage map
 
If there is an immediate danger due to a downed power line, please call 911.
 
Downed Trees and Tree Limbs
Heavy snow accumulations on trees along with high winds have caused downed trees and tree limbs in the City. If a tree or tree limb has fallen on a power line, please do not touch it and contact ComEd as soon as possible at 1.800.edison1.  Please report downed tree limbs in the roadway or along the parkway to Public Works during regular business hours at 847.432.0807 or during non-business hours, please report the downed tree limb to Police Non-Emergency at 847.432.7730.  

Warming Centers
Residents may seek relief from cold temperatures at any the following warming centers in the City:
Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Avenue West, is open to residents as a warming center during the following hours: Wednesday and Thursday - 5:00 AM through 9:45 PM Friday - 5:00 AM through 7:30 PM Saturday and Sunday - 6:30 AM through 7:30 PM
Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Avenue, is open to residents as a warming center during the following hours: Monday through Thursday - 9:00 AM through 9:00 PM Friday - 9:00 AM through 6:00 PM Saturday - 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM Sunday - 1:00 PM through 5:00 PM
Highland Park Police Department, 1677 Old Deerfield Road, is open to residents as a warming center 24 hours per day.
Highland Park City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue, is open to residents as a warming center 8:00 AM through 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Check on Neighbors
With dangerous cold conditions, please check on your neighbors to ensure their well-being. Should you be concerned about the well-being of a neighbor, the Police Department can conduct well-being checks, especially for the elderly. To request a well-being check, contact the Police Department Non-Emergency Number at 847.432.7730.

Damage to Property from Snow Removal Operations
Snow plowing is performed under difficult weather and traffic conditions. Occasionally, areas adjacent to a street can be damaged without the knowledge of plow operator. Any hardscape or streetscape items within right-of-way remain the homeowner's responsibility. Lawns damaged unintentionally by a City plow truck will be repaired the following spring, upon receiving notification by the homeowner. If a mailbox was damaged by City plow equipment, please call Public Works at 847.432.0807 within 48 hours of damage. 

Refuse and Recycling Services Postponed to Tuesday, November 27
Lakeshore Recycling Systems has suspended all refuse and recycling services for today, Monday, November 26 due to weather conditions. Refuse and recycling pick up will resume tomorrow, on Tuesday, November 27 weather permitting. Residents with Monday service will be picked up on Tuesday. Service will be delayed by one day throughout the week of November 26.
 
To Report a Public Works Concern
To report a Public Works concern during business hours, please call 847.432.0807. To report a concern during non-business hours, please contact Highland Park Police Non-Emergency at 847.432.7730. In an emergency, please dial 911.

Posted on November 26, 2018 at 12:02 PM