Despite relatively mild weather from last December through this past March,
nine winter storms impacted Illinois. This included a spring snowstorm on March 24th which produced record amounts of snow greater than 18 inches deep in parts of central Illinois.

"Now is the time of the year to prepare for the impacts of winter storms. Snow has already made a visit to central Illinois which caught several motorists off guard. Waiting to prepare your home or vehicle until a day or two before the storm is too late" said Chris Miller, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Lincoln.

To help the people of Illinois become more aware of how to be prepared for
winter and the cold weather, the NWS and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency
has declared November 17 – 23, Illinois Winter Weather Preparedness Week.

"Check the latest weather conditions, forecasts and road condition reports for the entire route you plan to travel. It is also a good idea to let someone else know about your travel plans and routes in case you become stranded or delayed" Miller said.

"Recent snow storms which impacted central and southeast Illinois the past few years have really underscored the importance of having alternate heating sources for your
home and a winter storm survival kit in your vehicle" said Miller. "I have spoken to many people who were caught in storms, wishing they would have had some items to help them while they were without power at home or stranded on the side of the road."

There are inexpensive things that people can buy to make sure that they travel safely during the winter. It is important to have a winter storm survival kit in each
vehicle. The items in this kit will help in the event that you are stranded – even on a short trip.

94.1 FM, WGFA