The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Wheaton from noon Thursday, Dec. 22, until 6 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. Predicted hazards include the possibility of 3-6 inches of blowing snow, rapidly falling temperatures creating ice on roads, whiteout conditions, wind gusts up to 50 mph and wind chill values of -25 to -35 degrees.
City of Wheaton Public Works crews have been pre-treating roads with salt brine and beet juice, which helps salt to work at lower temperatures. Wheaton Public Works will have trucks out plowing and salting, but drifting snow and very cold temperatures will make road salt less effective, making roads snow-covered and slippery. Strong winds and blowing snow will cause roads to become snow covered soon after a plow truck has passed by. Public Works crews will continue clearing roads during the day and night for this blowing and drifting snow event.
What You Can Do
If you don’t need to be on the roads, the National Weather Service recommends avoiding non-essential travel during the Winter Storm Warning. If you do have to travel, please slow down and don’t crowd the plow. A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you. Do not follow plow trucks closely, stay at least 100 ft or more behind them.
In addition, remember that once 2 inches of snow have accumulated, there is no parking on City streets to allow snowplows to safely clear streets all the way to the curb. Crews remove snow following the prioritized order of main thoroughfares/high-volume and potentially dangerous areas, then secondary/residential streets, and finally cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets. Read more about the City’s snow removal process.
Warming Center
In extreme temperatures, the Wheaton Public Library, 225 North Cross Street, serves as a warming site during its open hours. See a list of other warming locations throughout DuPage County.
Requests for Service
- Non-Emergency Service Requests: To submit non-emergency service requests or to report plowing complaints, damaged mailboxes, or sod during or after a snow event, call the Wheaton’s Public Works Snow Desk at 630-260-7669. The voicemail is monitored, and requests will be addressed within 24-48 hours. These requests can also be reported online using the City’s service request form.
- Emergency Service Requests: Emergency situations, including impassable roadways that may cause traffic crashes or immobilize vehicles should be immediately reported to 9-1-1. Emergency dispatch will alert crews to address the hazard as soon as possible.
Prevent Pipes from Freezing
Make sure to insulate pipes in unheated areas or against outside walls and seal any leaks that may let cold air in. Keep your garage door closed if your water meter is located in that area. Disconnect your garden hose and shut off the water supply to outside faucets. If the temperature gets extremely cold, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow heat to get to pipes and let a faucet drip at a trickle if possible.
Power Outage Information
If power outages occur, please contact ComEd at 800-Edison (800-334-7661).