Chicago City Wire

The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Winter Weather Advisory starting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, February 12, and lasting until 3 a.m. on Thursday, February 13. The advisory comes as the city prepares for potential winter storms.

To ensure efficient snow removal, the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) will enforce the city's winter overnight parking ban. This ban affects approximately 107 miles of streets daily from 3:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., with permanent signage indicating affected routes. DSS manages over 9,400 lane miles of roadway and maintains more than 300 snow vehicles ready for deployment if necessary. Additionally, they have stationed 425,000 tons of salt throughout the city.

The Department of Transportation (CDOT) reminds property owners to clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties and avoid shoveling snow into public right-of-ways such as transit stops and bike lanes. CDOT is responsible for maintaining over 55 miles of protected bike lanes in Chicago.

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) emphasizes that business licensees must remove snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their premises according to the Municipal Code of Chicago sections 4-4-310 and 10-8-180. Non-compliance may result in fines.

The city coordinates over 200 public facilities as warming centers during cold weather conditions, including libraries, parks, police departments, and City Colleges facilities. The Department of Family & Support Services activates warming areas at six community service centers when temperatures fall below freezing.

Residents can find nearby warming centers by contacting 3-1-1 or visiting online resources like the data portal link provided by the city.

For safety during extreme weather conditions, residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App for emergency alerts and preparedness tips. "It’s important to be prepared," states OEMC officials about taking precautions against severe cold temperatures.

Suspicious activity should be reported immediately under the national "If You See Something Say Something" campaign aimed at enhancing public safety awareness.

For further information on emergency preparedness or updates during extreme weather events, visit the OEMC website or follow them on social media platforms such as Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).