Village Stands By for Severe Weather

The Village of Oak Lawn is taking proactive measures to deal with severe weather that is expected to hit the local area early Wednesday evening.

A line of storms developing across far eastern Iowa and southwest Wisconsin has a history of producing baseball size hail, winds up to 75mph and heavy rain will move east across all of northern Illinois into northwest Indiana, according to the National Weather Service.

Oak Lawn Village Manager Larry Deetjen said that the police, fire, emergency and public works departments are standing by to deal with any weather-related emergencies.

“We are ready to respond and actually already since Monday some residents have proactively contacted DPW to request consultation and visits from our stormwater/sewer division OL team,” Deetjen said.

The NWS already has issued a flash flood watch that runs from late Wednesday afternoon and into early Friday morning. The rain from these storms could cause small creeks and streams to overflow onto roads and into houses and other structures.

Rainfall between 1 to 3 inches could fall in the area, with the heaviest falling along and north of I-80, according to the NWS. Heavy winds reaching 75 mph or more, as well as hail, also are forecasted by the weather service.

Residents without basements or those residing in trailer parks may take shelter at the Oak Lawn Library until it closes at 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Oak Lawn Village Hall is also open for those residents seeking shelter at 9446 S. Raymond Ave. After 8 p.m., enter through the back entrance off of 53rd Court.

The village has provided the following information on its website:

• Check sump pumps or check values to ensure they are in working condition and take other precautions to guard against flooding.

• Clear leaves and debris from storm inlets along streets and curbs to prevent street flooding.

• Report power outages to ComEd on its website; or by calling 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661). Provide as many details as you can (e.g., “tree on power line”) so that crews can bring the right equipment.

• Report downed power lines at the Oak Lawn Police Department non-emergency number: (708) 422-8292.

• Purchase an NOAA weather radio, which will go off automatically during a weather emergency. Weather radios are available Home Depot and Wal-Mart.

• Unplug laptops, computers, TVs and other electronic equipment in case of lightning strikes and power outages to avoid damage.
  

Keep on top of local storm and emergency info specific to the Oak Lawn area on Patch:

• Like Oak Lawn Patch on Facebook. We’ll be posting updates all evening.

• Sign up for Oak Lawn Patch breaking news reports.

Should the power go out during Wednesday’s Stanley Cup Final, we’ll let you know which fine local drinking establishments still power so you can finish watching the Blackhawks game.