It is the inevitable transition every year that comes to Chicago and leaves many wondering why they call this city home: the switch from sunny fall days to the year’s first snowfall. If you are one of the many that have been dreading winter weather, be prepared as a snow storm is predicted to hit Cook County later today.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning which begins at 9:00 p.m. tonight and will remain active until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Previously issued as a watch, officials now feel confident that the storm will strike Chicago and bring with it heavy rain, snow, and other wintery conditions, potentially leading to transportation issues for those around town. At this time, it is believed that rain will start falling around 9:00 p.m. but that the rain will transition to wet, heavy snow that will lead to accumulations of approximately four to eight inches throughout Cook County away from Lake Michigan. The downtown Chicago area and other locations near the lake should receive two to five inches of accumulating snow.
A snow storm in Illinois is nothing new for those who have lived in the state for some time, but the first snowfall of the season presents a series of issues that drivers should consider before they get behind the wheel. During the storm, the National Weather Service notes that visibility may be poor and it recommends that motorists avoid driving if possible to limit traffic on the roads and to prevent as many car accidents as possible.
If you must drive in snow, remember that the roadways can become slick or even icy in a matter of minutes and it is possible for ice to accumulate in one area of the city but not in another. Therefore, decrease your speed and only drive at a rate that is appropriate given the weather conditions that are present. Make sure you have plenty of gasoline in your car in case it takes you longer than normal to get to your destination and be prepared for traffic congestion related to the weather.
Even drivers who are experienced in operating through snow may take a few minutes to adjust to these wintery conditions after a six month break from them. Keep in mind that other drivers will be more likely to lose control of their cars or to spin out than they would be in dry conditions, meaning that you should operate in a defensive manner if you must travel.
This first storm of the season will just be the beginning for winter weather in the area and hopefully you will avoid any auto-related incidents this weekend. However, if you are involved in a winter weather car accident and you are hurt, know that the personal injury team at Abels & Annes, P.C. will be standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call and to offer you answers about your legal rights.
We offer a no-cost, no-obligation case consultation to victims of car accidents in the Chicago area and we keep a licensed lawyer available to take your call toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575. If you prefer, you can contact us online at your convenience.
Through the years, Abels & Annes, P.C. has helped countless victims receive the relief they deserve for injuries they sustained in collisions and if you are injured, we want to help you as well. Call us now to learn whether you have a valid claim for relief, and if so, what options you may have to pursue your claim.
Prior Blog Entry:
Falling is the Primary Cause of Eye Injuries, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, published November 19, 2015.