City of Wheaton crews continue working to clean up damage and respond to calls from yesterday’s severe weather. Numerous areas in Wheaton experienced property damage, tree damage and power outages from the high winds our area experienced. Fortunately, the City has not received any reports of injuries resulting from this storm.
Several intersections are using flashing red traffic signals, and the following roads are closed due to downed power lines:
- Harrison at Wheaton Avenue
- Seminary between Scott & Washington
- Wheaton Avenue at railroad tracks.
These streets will reopen once ComEd is able to send crews. The City reminds you to never try to move a downed power line. If you see a power line that is down, assume that it is charged.
ComEd Response
Because this storm caused damage over a wide area, as of late last night, ComEd reported approximately 560,000 customers without power. ComEd called in mutual assistance workers from out of state to assist with restoration, but because of the large area affected, outages may last multiple days for some customers. Besides identifying critical structures that need emergency restoration (such as hospitals and nursing home facilities), the City does not have any way to expedite service requests for our residents. ComEd has said that its reporting system is experiencing some technical difficulties due to the volume of reports received. You can report outages at 1-800-334-7661, visit ComEd.com/map or download the ComEd app at www.ComEd.com/app.
Tree Damage Pickup
To address tree damage throughout the community, the City will be providing an initial pass to clear damaged trees along the right of way. Additionally, a one-time special tree damage pickup for residents starting on Monday, Aug. 17 will be provided. This is for tree damage caused by the storm only; please do not include regular brush/landscape waste. You may place damaged tree limbs/branches from parkway trees or from trees on private property at the curb for pickup. City of Wheaton Public Works crews and crews contracted by the City will be providing this service.
To be picked up:
- Limbs/branches must be placed in the parkway before Monday, Aug. 17.
- Do not block the sidewalk or roadway with limbs/branches.
- Limbs/branches must be moved to the parkway; City crews are unable to assist in bringing damaged trees/limbs from private property to the curb.
- Crews will make one pass citywide. They will not return if you do not have items at the curb by Aug. 17.
- No stickers are needed, and you do not need to use the usual guidelines for bundling/cutting down brush. There is no size limitation for tree damage, however please ensure that limbs are placed in a way that does not impede traffic or pedestrians.
- If possible, please stack piles neatly with the cut end toward the street.
It may take crews up to two weeks to make a complete pass through the city, so please be patient as they complete this citywide pickup. Please note that some crews are already out doing initial pickups to clear parkway damage. This is not part of the one-time pickup.
If you need to report a parkway tree damaged by the storm, please use the Service Request Form and select "Parkway Tree Storm Damage."