Sangamon County Now Under Level 2 Winter Weather Emergency

Sangamon County's Winter Weather Emergency level has been raised to Level 2, effective immediately. The declaration applies only to county highways. Under a Level 2 Winter Weather Emergency, travel on County Highways is discouraged. Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and may be icy. There are areas where the roadways may be partially closed by the elements. Emergency personnel may not be able to respond in a timely manner if you are stranded.

Brian Davis, Sangamon County Highway Engineer, said, "The snow and wind make traveling on many county roads difficult. Visibility is even worse at night, making travel dangerous. We urge residents to limit travel and stay home, especially during the nighttime hours. If you absolutely must be out, use extreme caution and give snow plows and first responder vehicles plenty of space."

Road conditions will be monitored throughout the evening and early morning hours. If necessary, the emergency level may be adjusted based upon those changing conditions. The media will be alerted of any changes, and notices will post to the Sangamon County Website (www.SangamonIL.Gov) and social media pages. In addition, motorists are encouraged to access the Sangamon County Website and click on the quick link "Winter Weather County Highway Road Condition Map" to see the latest driving conditions on Sangamon County highways. Given the large geographic size of Sangamon County, not all areas of the county may be experiencing the same winter weather conditions. The map can provide more localized conditions, especially as the roads are treated and cleared.

BACKGROUND: The Sangamon County Board has established a three level system as outlined below with the intention of more accurately defining what a winter weather emergency means;

LEVEL 1: Roadways are hazardous. Drivers may encounter blowing and drifting snow and roadways may be icy. Drivers should use caution.

LEVEL 2: Roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow and may be icy. There are areas where the roadways may be partially closed by the elements. Travel on County Highways is discouraged. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. Emergency personnel may not be able to respond in a timely manner if you are stranded.

LEVEL 3: Weather conditions have fully closed the County Highways. No one should be out during these conditions. Emergency personnel will not be able to respond in a timely manner if you are stranded.

The Chairman of the Sangamon County Board shall make the declaration of the Winter Weather Emergency Level after consulting with the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office, the Sangamon County Office of Emergency Management, the Sangamon County Highway Department, and other departments or agencies if necessary.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Abandoned vehicles on County Highways that obstruct public safety and road clearing operations are subject to towing and ticketing by the County. If your vehicle becomes disabled on the roadway, please notify Sangamon County Central Dispatch at 753-6666. You should be prepared to provide your license plate number, vehicle description, vehicle location and a call back number. This is especially important if you abandon your vehicle; by notifying central dispatch of an abandoned vehicle, emergency crews will know that a motorist is safe if they come upon their vehicle.