The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) and the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) are monitoring winter storm conditions with the National Weather Service (NWS). The NWS Chicago issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect from Monday, January 25, 4pm until Tuesday, January 26, 5pm. The warning includes snow, heavy at times, especially Monday evening and early overnight.

The National Weather Service forecast includes possible snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches and northeast winds that could gust as high as 35 to 40 mph resulting in periods of very low visibility. Additionally, there is a Lakeshore Flood Advisory in effect for Monday, January 25, 4pm through Tuesday, January 26 at noon, with minor to moderate flooding possible along the lakefront.

Residents are urged to take precaution, plan accordingly and allow extra time while driving to and from your destination. Hazardous conditions are likely to impact the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes. Some power outages are possible due to the combined effects of the expected wetter nature of the snow and strong and gusty winds.

OEMC will coordinate response efforts with the City’s public safety and infrastructure departments and public partners to keep residents safe and informed. Additionally, OEMC issues several alerts and notifications to keep residents up to date on weather conditions and emergencies:

 Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at www.NotifyChicago.org
 CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
 COVID: Get COVID-19 updates by TEXTING “COVID19” to 6-7-2-8-3

 CHIBIZ: Business updates, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

Department of Streets and Sanitation
The Department of Streets and Sanitation is closely monitoring the winter system that will result in snow throughout the evening and into the morning. Salt spreaders are ready to respond and will first focus on addressing ice and snow along Chicago’s arterial routes and Lake Shore Drive to ensure they are safe and passable for motorists. Safety is the City's top priority. Residents who must travel this evening are urged to drive according to conditions and reduce speeds.

DSS manages more than 9,400 lane miles of roadway with a fleet of salt spreaders that are fully prepared to respond when needed. In addition, the Department has salt stationed at salt piles throughout the city.

To view the City’s snow fleet in real time, visit www.chicagoshovels.org.

Department of Family and Support Services Warming Areas

When temperatures are at 32 degrees or below, warming areas are available at the City’s six community service centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

 The warming areas are available for all residents in need of safe refuge and relief from extreme cold weather.
 Residents must wear a cloth face covering while in the warming areas due to COVID-19 safety precautions.
 City-operated libraries and park facilities also may activate warming areas, if needed, including during evening hours, weekends and holidays.
 For assistance after hours, residents should call 311 to be connected to available services – including placement at an available shelter bed.
 The Garfield Community Service Center, located at 10 South Kedzie, is open on a 24-hour basis to connect families and residents to emergency shelter.
 Unless specifically indicated, warming areas typically are not open when temperatures are higher than 32 degrees, on holidays or during evening hours.
o Hours and days may be extended under extreme conditions and/or from the direction of the City’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

 A list of community service center locations is available at Chicago.gov/FSS. Information and multilingual fliers containing warming center information in English, Spanish and Polish also are posted on DFSS's website at Chicago.gov/FSS. 

Chicago Department of Public Health 

With the winter weather upon us, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) would like to caution residents to take care of themselves and to also provide assistance to neighbors, family members, pets and friends, particularly those who are elderly, have disabilities and/or live alone. Taking preventative action is the best way to stay safe from the serious health risks associated with winter weather. Residents are advised to limit their time outside, wear layers of warm clothing when going outside, and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.  

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook, Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).