Winter Storm Update: Village Declares Snow Removal Emergency

story updated at 4:10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20.

The Oak Lawn Emergency Management Agency has declared a Snow Removal Emergency is in effect in the village until at least 7 a.m. Saturday.

The declaration means no parking on designated Oak Lawn Snow routes.

The National Weather Service Winter Storm Warning is in effect until midnight Friday. The Weather Service said snow is coming down heavy and expects total accumulation to top out around 7 inches when the snow ends sometime Friday night.

The NWS reported 2 inches of snow had fallen on Oak Lawn as of 2:55 p.m.

Extreme cold will make salt less effective, which will make it harder for road crews to keep roadways clear of snow and ice.

And as more of the white stuff blankets the village, be sure to post your own snow pics to our local gallery.

LIVE MAP: Check the traffic situation before you begin your commute

Commuters also can call the Tollway's customer line for road updates at 800-865-5394. Call *999 on your cell phone if you need roadway assistance.

Leave your own tips and information about dangerous road conditions or accidents in the area by posting on our Facebook page.

For updates of any possible delays, closings or cancellations, keep visiting the Oak Lawn Patch home page throughout the day.

Remember to stay safe and stay warm out there. Here are some helpful snow travel tips:

AAA winter driving tips:

• Avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

AAA tips for driving in the snow:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning -- nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to 10 seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don't stop if you can avoid it. There's a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
• Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don't have to go out, don't. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don't tempt fate: If you don't have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

Illinois Tollway tips

• Clear snow and ice from all windows, mirrors and lights before you drive.
• Adjust speed to road conditions and traffic.
• Reduce speed on ramps and in cash lanes at toll plazas.
• Increase the interval between your vehicle and the one in front of you. 
• Avoid unnecessary lane changes.
• Keep away from snowplows.
• Do not use the shoulder of the road to pass a snowplow.