The Village of Forest Park is putting snow routes in effect as it braces for a potential snowstorm Friday.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Northern and Central Cook County from 3 a.m. Friday through 12 p.m. Saturday. It expects the region could get as much as eight inches of snow, with the winds potentially gusting as much as 45 miles per hour.
The village has warned Forest Parkers that if the snow falls at least two inches, snow routes will be in effect. All cars must be parked on the side of the street opposite of the Snow Route signs.
“Main streets will be plowed first, followed by side streets,” officials said in a statement. “Alleys and sidewalks will be plowed once the streets have been completed.”
Interim village administrator Rachell Entler warned that snow routes will still be in effect after the streets are initially cleared because snow plows may need to make multiple passes until the snowfall stops.
Forest Park School District 91 schools will be going remote Jan. 12, as will Proviso Township High School District 209 schools. Public transit will continue to operate, but the Pace suburban bus system and CTA are encouraging riders to avoid non-essential trips and warned that buses might run into delays.
Forest Park Public Library has rescheduled its Big Art Night event from Jan. 12 to Jan. 26 out of abundance of caution. It is closing early today (Jan. 12), at 1 p.m., and it will open later on Jan. 13. While it usually opens at 9 a.m. on Saturdays, it won’t open until 1 p.m. this time.
Forest Park Commissioner of Public Health and Safety Ryan Nero urged residents to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly.
“If you’re going to be shoveling your drive or your parkway, perhaps lend a hand to those in need,” he said. “So do what you can, but be conscious of those who need special assistance.”
Nero, whose day job is the safety inspector for construction sites, also warned the residents to be careful with space heaters if temperatures get cold.
“Keep them away from combustibles, such as paper and cardboard,” he said. “Blankets is another one [residents should be careful with]. In my industry, I can’t tell you how many times we have those tragic events when people are just trying to keep warm.”