View as Webpage

November 28, 2025

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for our area until 6 AM on Sunday, November 30. Heavy snow with total snow accumulations between 6 and 10 inches and wind gusts of up to 30 mph are forecasted for Lake County. The highest snowfall rates are expected Saturday afternoon until 8 PM, approximately 1" per hour, with some blowing and drifting snow possible. There is the potential for lingering lake effect snow after midnight on Saturday.

Due to anticipated low visibility during the storm, individuals are urged to avoid unnecessary travel. If travel is necessary, please drive with caution and be alert for snow plows and crews working to clear the snow. Keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Traffic conditions throughout Lake County can be found online at Lake County Passage.

City Public Works crews are prepared for snow removal operations. The City is actively monitoring weather conditions. Visit cityhpil.com/snow to learn more about the City’s snow removal plan. Public Works can be reached at 847.432.0807 during regular business hours. To report a Public Works concern after hours, please call the public safety non-emergency line at 847.432.7730. To report an emergency, please dial 911. 

In the event of a power outage, reports may be made via comed.com/outage, the ComEd app, or by dialing 1.800.EDISON1. In the event that a power outage requires activation of the City’s warming centers, this information will be posted to social media and at cityhpil.com/warmingcenters.

The City's Snow and Ice Control Plan is designed to respond to variable weather conditions by prioritizing the timely and effective response to snow removal. The Public Works Department works closely with public safety personnel to identify specific salting or plowing needs.

Under normal snowfall conditions of three inches or less, all public streets are plowed within the first six to eight hours after snowfall ends. Initial snow removal operations are staged simultaneously throughout the City and multiple plowing passes along streets are required to move snow to the curb. Response times can vary and may be extended depending on the magnitude, duration, and timing of the winter storm. Regardless of conditions, snow removal operations will continue until all public streets are passable and all parking areas have been cleared.

To facilitate snow removal operations, on-street parking is prohibited during the hours of 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM from December 1 through March 31. To permit City plows to most effectively clear City streets, it would be appreciated if residents avoid parking on the street during this potential significant snowfall until after the City has completed its snow removal operations. Crews appreciate your cooperation.

Sidewalk Clearing Procedures

The City maintains an estimated 130 miles of sidewalk. The City plows 32 miles of sidewalk in close proximity to schools, train stations, public buildings, and business districts for all snow events, regardless of snowfall amounts. Typically, the 32 miles of public sidewalks plowed by the City are pre-wet using a brine solution prior to snowfall.

Upon accumulation of 4” or more of snow, the City’s authorized contractor will plow the remaining 98 miles of public sidewalks. Sidewalk plowing typically starts 12 to 24 hours after the start of the snowfall and could take up to 24 to 48 hours or more to complete, as the priority is to clear the streets first.

For snow totals less than 4”, public sidewalks are not plowed by the City; the portion of sidewalk that crosses individual driveways is the responsibility of the homeowner. Neighbors are encouraged to shovel the sidewalk adjacent to their property in consideration of pedestrians.

Fire Hydrant Clearing

The Fire Department appreciates assistance from residents in ensuring that snow is cleared from the area surrounding fire hydrants. If there is a fire hydrant on or near your property, please consider clearing away the snow. By doing so, you will save firefighters precious time responding to a fire.

Removing snow from one parcel of property and depositing it onto another parcel (including the adjacent public parkway) without the consent of the property owner is a violation. The code does provide an exemption to allow plow operators to deposit snow on the City parkway immediately adjacent to and on the same side of the street as the property from which the snow is being removed. Please inform private snow removal companies of the Snow Removal Ordinance provisions.

Snow plow operators observed improperly depositing snow in violation of the ordinance will be cited; residents are ultimately responsible for compliance and may also be cited. A violation may subject the snow removal company and/or originating property owner to a fine of up to $200. The abutting property or business owners should clear the public sidewalks for snow events with less than 4” of snow.

The Highland Park Fire Department shares the following snow shoveling safety tips to help you avoid injury while clearing your driveway. Snow shoveling can be dangerous if you do not exercise regularly. Bending and heavy lifting can put you at serious risk for injury.

• Warm up your muscles. Shoveling can be a vigorous activity. Before you begin, warm up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise.
• Pace yourself. Snow shoveling and snow blowing are aerobic activities. Take frequent breaks and prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart attack, stop the activity and call 911 immediately!
• Use proper equipment. Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Do not use a shovel that is too heavy or too long for you. Space your hands on the tool grip to increase your leverage.
• Proper lifting. Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, do it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent, and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove deep snow all at once. Do it in pieces.
• Safe technique. Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.