For Immediate Release                                
Contact:  Jason Gerwig                                      
630/407-6022
December 3, 2008

COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT PREPARING FOR AFTERNOON SNOW

DU PAGE COUNTY, IL ― With DuPage County and the Chicagoland region under a Winter Weather Advisory today, the County’s Highway Department is prepared to ensure roads are safe for motorists. 

Forecasts predict the region could receive one-to-five inches of snow scheduled to begin this afternoon, which will affect the evening rush hour.     In anticipation of this potential heavy snowfall, the DuPage County Highway Department will have 29 plows on the road to ensure county roads are safe for passage.  Highway has already pretreated roads with salt as temperatures are expected to fall this afternoon. 

“The County’s Highway Department is prepared for this potential snow fall,” said DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom.  “While we will do everything we can to ensure our roads remain safe, I would encourge those that must drive to use extra caution.”

Motorists are encouraged to slow down when driving through winter storms.  A highway speed of 65 miles per hour may be safe in dry weather, but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice.   Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.  Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.

According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that “accumulating snow will cause primarily travel difficulties.  Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibility, and use caution while driving.” 

For more information, please visit www.protectdupage.org. 

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