Plowing crews are hard at work attempting to deal with the continuous snowfall across the WNIJ area.
However, the snowfall wasn't equally distributed. DeKalb received about 5 inches of snow, while Rockford and Freeport recieved half a foot. The National Weather Service reports snowfall was much higher in other areas, with 10 inches in Aurora, and 8 inches near Naperville. Around 7 to 11 inches were predicted to fall overall.
Most school districts and government offices are closed across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Local roads are open in DeKalb County, but Sheriff Roger Scott says larger thoroughfares are still an issue.
“We’re fortunate at this time, at least right now anyway, the winds are down so the drifting is not a problem," he said, "but the local, state and county roads are still covered with snow so you must drive carefully."
Rockford is using its Public Works Department and private contractors to clear its roads. Assistant Deputy Police Chief John Pozzi says snow removal efforts are likely to last well into the afternoon in the city and outlying areas.
“The county crews have been doing a great job out there trying to keep the roads open,” Pozzi said, "but there’s still quite a bit of snow in the outlying areas, and it’s just a continual process."
Aurora hired 75 private contractors to clear its residential streets. All schools and colleges are closed and trash collection has been suspended. However, all library branches are open for use as warming centers.
As for state roads, IDOT spokesman Guy Tridgell says most highways and interstates are snow-covered. He expects plowing crews to be on duty all day and through the weekend. Tridgell also says there's been lighter traffic than usual due to an accurate storm forecast.
Northern Illinois University Meteorologist Gilbert Sebenste says there will be more snow through the weekend. However, he says that isn't the end. He expects another storm system to bring more rain or snow to northern Illinois by the middle of next week.
