SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS As the snow has continued to fall throughout the night, the full fleet of the Aurora Snow Team has been plowing primary streets around the clock. This morning, more than 75 contractors have started to assist the Aurora Snow Team with the residential streets.
Heavy snow is expected to continue through the morning rush hour at approximately an inch per hour and taper off by late morning/early afternoon. The Aurora Snow Team will maintain around-the-clock operations.The National Weather Service’s Winter Storm Warning will expire at NOON today, but additional snow is expected this weekend.
NO PARKING ON STREETS PLEASE DO NOT PARK ON CITY STREETS! In order to assure safe and effective snowplowing, the City will be enforcing its snowfall ordinance, which prohibits parking on any street or alleyway during or after a snowfall of two inches or more until the street has been plowed to the curb or road edge. Failure to comply can lead to a ticket and vehicle tow that will cost a minimum of $150.00, plus applicable storage and release fees. So far this year, nearly 1,000 tickets have been issued for violating the snowfall ordinance and nearly 100 vehicles have been towed.
POSTPONE UNNECESSARY DRIVING The Illinois Department of Transportation is advising residents to
POSTPONE ANY UNNECESSARY DRIVING today. When driving, speed reduction goes a long way in cutting down the number of crashes that typically accompany bad weather. Pay special attention on bridges, overpasses and intersections where slick spots may form. Also be careful when interacting with snow plows on City streets. Stay a minimum of 75 feet behind the plows and never attempt to pass them.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS All of Aurora’s public school districts – 131,129, 204, 308, 101 and 302 – private & parochial schools and colleges/universities – IMSA, Waubonsee Community College, College of DuPage, St. Augustine College, Robert Morris and Aurora University- have announced they will be CLOSED ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 due to weather.
GARBAGE COLLECTION Groot Waste Management has suspended garbage collection service for today- Friday, February 9. Trash will be collected Saturday, February 10.
FIRE HYDRANT ASSISTANCE Residents are asked to help clear snow and ice from fire hydrants near their home. A clear perimeter of about 3 feet and a path from the hydrant to the street will allow firefighters to quickly access the hydrant in case of an emergency.
CHECK ON OTHERS During inclement weather, remember to check in on elderly neighbors and those who may have special needs. Aurora has many warming shelters throughout the city where residents in need may visit at designated hours. A list of warming centers is available below and at www.aurora-il.org.
A FEW OTHER DOs and DON’Ts Do remember pet safety during this inclement weather. If the weather is too harsh for humans, it is also too harsh for pets. Limit their exposure to the environment. Do not shovel snow into the street when clearing driveways. Do not leave running vehicles unattended, whether locked or unlocked.
