CITY MAKING FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR IMPENDING BLIZZARD
The City of Aurora is in the final stages of preparing for the impending blizzard that is expected to hit this afternoon and last until the middle of the day on Wednesday.
A blizzard warning beginning at 3 p.m. today and lasting until 3 p.m. Wednesday has been issued by the National Weather Service. The storm is expected to be dangerous and potentially life threatening.
City officials are encouraging residents to stay off the roads and to remain indoors if at all possible for the duration of the storm. The high winds expected to accompany the blizzard will make travel potentially impossible, according to the Weather Service. Officials also are reminding residents to check in on elderly and handicapped family and neighbors to make sure they are safe.
In preparation, the City’s full cadre of more than 100 snow plows, including those from private contractors, have been prepared and are ready to begin tackling snow removal across Aurora’s 2,100 lane miles of roads. City officials are asking residents to make sure all vehicles are off of streets and alleyways to assure safe and effective snow plowing, which will be further challenged because of the heavy snow and high winds. Aurora’s snow ordinance prohibits parking on City streets and alleyways during or after a snowfall of 2 inches or more with violators risking a ticket and tow at their expense.
In order to field an expected increase in calls, Aurora’s Customer Service Center will have extended hours. Residents seeking non-emergency City services and information can call the Center at (630) 256-INFO (4636) until 7 p.m. tonight and from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday. Incidents that pose an immediate threat to life or property should be directed to 911.
In addition, Allied Waste, the City’s contracted waste and recycling collection company, has cancelled garbage and recycling pickup for Wednesday. Service will resume Thursday, Feb. 3, and continue throughout Saturday, Feb. 5. The schedule change means all Allied Waste garbage pick-up in the City will be pushed back one day this week.
The City plans on e-mailing any necessary storm updates to residents who have signed up for the service. Residents are encouraged to click on Aurora’s website at www.aurora-il.org to sign up for e-mail news. The top of the website’s homepage also will feature links directly to the latest weather forecasts, City updates, safety tips, warming centers, school closings, and other information during the storm.
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