caption freeform

Feb. 1, 2021 Storm Update

Snow PlowFebruary 1, 2021 -- This past week saw the greatest weekly snowfall totals in the Chicago area since February 2015! Preliminary snow totals at O'Hare Airport indicate that 16.8" of snow fell on our area during this last week in January. Thanks to Winter Storm Orlena, snow totals from this past weekend alone exceeded 10". Click here to learn more about this weather event

Public Works crews have been working around the clock and will continue plowing operations today to ensure roadways are cleared. To report a Public Works concern during business hours, please call 847.432.0807. During non-business hours, please call Highland Park Police Non-Emergency at 847.432.7730.

As a reminder, the City prohibits removing snow or ice from any driveway or private property and depositing it onto public streets as the deposited snow and ice creates a traffic hazard. Traffic conditions throughout Lake County can be found online at Lake County Passage.

The Fire Department appreciates assistance from residents in ensuring that snow is cleared from the area surrounding fire hydrants. If there is a fire hydrant on or near your property, please consider clearing away the snow. By doing so, you will save firefighters precious time responding to a fire.

Post-Storm Reminders

Street Parking Restrictions In Effect: As a reminder, on-street parking is prohibited during the hours of 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM from December 1 through March 31. To permit City plows to most effectively clear City streets, it is recommended that residents avoid parking on the street during any significant snowfall until after the City has completed its snow removal operations. Crews appreciate your cooperation.

Sidewalk Clearing: After 4” or more of accumulated snowfall, City contractors clear snow from 98 miles of City sidewalks. High-foot traffic areas and sidewalks surrounding schools were cleared by 7:00 AM this morning. Clearing of public sidewalks Citywide is ongoing today.

Snow Shoveling Safety Tips: The Highland Park Fire Department shares the following snow shoveling safety tips to help you avoid injury while clearing your driveway. Snow shoveling can be dangerous if you do not exercise regularly. Bending and heavy lifting can put you at serious risk for injury.
  • Warm-up your muscles. Shoveling can be a vigorous activity. Before you begin, warm-up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise.
  • Pace yourself. Snow shoveling and snow blowing are aerobic activities. Take frequent breaks and prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart attack, stop the activity and call 911 immediately!
  • Use proper equipment. Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Do not use a shovel that is too heavy or too long for you. Space your hands on the tool grip to increase your leverage.
  • Proper lifting. Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, do it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent, and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove deep snow all at once. Do it in pieces.
  • Safe technique. Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.