Lake County DOT Snow Season

Ask A Snow Plow Driver - YouTube

Last winter we experienced colder weather and wetter conditions than average. The map above shows the total snowfall in inches for the Midwest, including Lake County. Click on individual weather stations, indicated by the small circles on the map, to see the approximate total snowfall reported for the season (November 1st 2018 - April 30th 2019).

In many years, a climate pattern called the El Niño Southern Oscillations (ENSO) plays a large role in determining overall weather conditions for the winter season. Both <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ninonina.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">El Niño and La Niña</a> are significant drivers of the weather patterns that affect us in years those conditions are present. This year neutral conditions are in place, meaning long-term trends and other climate patterns will play a larger role in determining our weather this winter.

When winter weather is in the forecast, we move into response mode. Depending on the conditions we are facing, we may pre-treat bridges and curves before the storm event begins. When our plow drivers are called out for storm duty, they work 12 hour shifts until the roads have been cleared and returned to normal conditions. Through lanes are plowed first, to keep traffic moving, and then turn lanes are cleared.

Winter weather is often unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for winter storms.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather?gclid=CNjTpf3fhdACFUMcaQodplgAYg" target="_blank">Ready.gov</a>&nbsp;has a helpful list of things you can do before, during, and after a winter storm to stay safe.

Take a look inside LCDOT's winter weather operations to see how we keep the County Highway System clear and safe each winter.

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LCDOT Snow Routes 2019 - 2020

LCDOT is responsible for plowing more than 840 lane miles of roadway in Lake County. We plow Lake County highways, which are marked with the 5-sided blue and gold route markers such as Butterfield Road or Buffalo Grove Road.

Back in the command center, our maintenance foremen monitor the weather conditions and relay information to the plow drivers. They are able to monitor the location of each plow truck, view updated weather forecasts and storm reports, and see live conditions of Lake County roads from traffic cameras. We also have mechanics and parts technicians on every callout in case any of our plows need service during the event.

Do you have a question for our drivers? Send an email to DOT@lakecountyil.gov with the subject “Ask A Snow Plow Driver” and we’ll get an answer for you.

The <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/winter-outlook-warmer-than-average-for-many-wetter-in-north" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Climate Prediction Center's winter outlook</a> indicates:

The snow plow routes are analyzed carefully each year and adjusted when necessary to keep the routes balanced as we add lanes onto our system, and to incorporate any lessons learned or changing conditions from the previous snow season. The routes average 33 lane miles each. The longest route is 38 lane miles, and the shortest route is 29 lane miles. On average, during an active snow event, it will take about two hours to complete a full cycle. LCDOT also hires seasonal employees ("snowbirds") to assist with snow plowing operations.

Safety is always our top concern. LCDOT snow plows will be out clearing the roads and making sure county highways are safe for motorists until the weather event is over.&nbsp;

While El Niño/La Niña and other large-scale environmental factors can give us an indication of general trends for the upcoming season, the exact tracks and timing of specific winter storms are highly variable and difficult to forecast more than a week in advance. Resources such as the <a href="https://www.weather.gov/lot" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">National Weather Service's Chicago office</a> can provide detailed forecasts for imminent winter storms and interesting post-storm information.

Remember to check <a href="https://www.lakecountypassage.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lake County PASSAGE</a> for current travel information and to watch our snow removal operations in progress.

When driving in winter weather, remember:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk263erDuAk" target="_blank">don't crowd the plow!</a>

These features are available both on the <a href="https://www.lakecountypassage.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">PASSAGE website</a> and in newly designed apps for iPhone and Android devices. Check your phone's app store for the Lake County PASSAGE app. If you're on the road, tune your radio to 1620 AM to hear current traffic information.

At the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) we begin planning and preparing for the season well before the first snowflake falls. We spend several weeks testing and preparing our equipment, training our drivers, and planning our snow removal response effort so that we are ready to respond when winter arrives.

All other roads in Lake County are plowed by other agencies, including the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), townships, and municipalities.

<li>Lake County and northern Illinois have equal chances of above normal, near normal, or below normal temperatures this winter.<li>We have higher than normal chances of above normal precipitation this winter.</li></li>

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6UGawt2GOM" target="_blank">Find out</a>&nbsp;how you can get emergency alerts.

<a href="http://lctv.swagit.com/lctv-emergency-management-agency/07132014-712" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out</a>&nbsp;these tips on getting your vehicle ready for winter weather.

<a href="https://www.lakecountypassage.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lake County PASSAGE</a> has always been a great resource for monitoring road conditions during winter weather. This year an exciting new feature is available in PASSAGE to better illustrate current road conditions and our snow removal operations: now you can track the progress of LCDOT's snow plow trucks in near real-time! Plows are represented on the map by arrow icons which indicate the current direction the plow is heading. Clicking a plow truck's icon provides information about current speed, direction, whether the plow is up or down, and whether the salt spreader is on or off. You can even see snapshots from cameras mounted in each truck! All this information updates every few minutes, giving you a new perspective on what it takes to clear the county highways of snow and ice during winter storms. (This information will only display on the map when snow removal operations are in progress).

<li>View current road conditions, construction, and events including: crashes, stalls, debris, and other roadway incidents<li>Get real time congestion information</li><li>View camera images at major intersections</li></li>

In addition to checking the snow plows, you can also:

The map above shows LCDOT's snow routes for this season. Each color represents a different route. Click on a route to get information on the approximate centerline miles and lane miles of the route.