Winter Storm Preparedness Report-  Ahead of the Big Storm

Severe winter storms can cause widespread damage and disruption. Heavy snow often results in paralyzed transportation systems, automobile accidents due to slippery roads and stranded vehicles. Glazing from ice
storms topples utility lines and poles and makes travel virtually impossible. These conditions can be a threat to life. Nearly 80 people in the United States die from winter storms and extreme cold every year.

Illinois Winter Weather Facts

A total of 44 people have died from outdoor exposure to cold temperatures in the state of Illinois since 1997. This is more than severe thunderstorms, tornadoes (26 deaths), floods (18 deaths) and lightning (12 deaths) during the same period
• Illinois normally experiences five severe winter storms each year. During the winter of 2007-08 there were 16 severe winter storms, five of which impacted one third or more of the state.

• As few as two (in the winters of 1921-1922 and 1980-1981), and as many as 18 (in the winters of 1977-1978 and 1981-1982) severe winter storms have occurred in one year.

• There has not been a winter in Illinois without a severe winter storm in the past century.

• Average annual snowfall ranges from nearly 39 inches of snow in Rockford and Chicago, to as little as 10 to 15 inches in the southern tip of Illinois.

• The greatest snowfall on record from a single storm occurred near the town of Astoria, in west central Illinois, where 37.8 inches of snow was measured February 27-28, 1900.

• On average, locations from just south of Quincy, through Lincoln, toWatseka experience more freezing rain and ice storms than any other part of the state.

• The coldest temperature on record in the state occurred on January 5, 1999, when the mercury dipped to-36 °F near Congerville inWoodford County

Read the Full Report Here By the State of Illinois Emergency Management ysytem in the HS News Library