Illinois Valley Under A Winter Storm Warning

Mother Nature isn’t letting up, in fact she’s getting meaner in the Illinois Valley.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect through Sunday afternoon.  Anywhere from 5 to 10 inches of new snow is possible during the warning time.  Making matters worse will be a northwest wind gusting up to 30 miles per hour.  This will cause blowing and drifting snow.

After the snow tapers off, dangerous wind chills arrive Sunday night.  It could feel as cold as 45 below.

Area Warming Centers Are Available To Stay Out Of The Cold

If you or someone you know needs a warm place to stay, the state has opened up over 100 warming centers.

You can escape the cold at Department of Human Services offices in Ottawa, La Salle and Princeton.  The Ottawa warming center is on First Avenue while the La Salle warming center is on Second Street.  The DHS office in Princeton is on Backbone Road.

Remember Illinois Valley Community Hospital has also opened up its cafeteria as a warming center.

PADS Shelter Needs Volunteers To Keep People Warm

If they can get more volunteers, the PADS shelter in Ottawa will be open continuously as a warming center.

Shelter officials are looking for volunteers for two shifts Sunday thru Tuesday 9 until 1 and then 1 until 5.  If you can help call Katie at 433-1292.

If you can provide a lunch to those staying at the shelter that would be much appreciated as well.

Shelter officials say they have both elderly and children staying with them now.

Potentially Lethal Cold Temperatures Coming Soon

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -State health officials want you to be aware of the risk of hypothermia and frostbite as bone-chilling temperatures grip the state. Infants and the elderly are most at risk.

Hypothermia can cause forgetfulness, drowsiness and slurred speech. It can be fatal, so if a person’s temperature drops to 95 degrees or less, call an ambulance or take the person to a hospital.

Cool indoor temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees can trigger hypothermia. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends setting indoor temperatures to 65 degrees and checking on elderly friends and neighbors to make sure they have enough heat.