Biggest Snowstorm Since 2011 Headed to Evanston

The city’s streets and sanitation department is bracing for 5 to 8 inches of snow projected to fall on Tuesday, officials say, in what could be the biggest blizzard since February 2011.

A snowstorm expected to drop 5 to 8 inches of snow on Evanston Tuesday could be the city’s biggest storm since the blizzard of 2011, according to James Maiworm, Supt. of Streets and Sanitation.    “One of complicated wildcards is that lake enhancement of the snow will be a component of this storm and could add to the totals,” Maiworm said in an e-mail to city officials.  Like Evanston Patch on Facebook for instant updates on local weather and snow route parking bans. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for much of Northern Illinois on Monday morning. That warning goes into effect at 3 a.m. Tuesday and lasts until midnight on Tuesday.  "This will impact both rush hours on Tuesday, with the higher potential for heavy …

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Share Your Snow Pictures!

It finally looks like winter in Evanston.

Let it snow! After months of unusually warm weather, we finally have a white winter here in Evanston. Check Patch throughout the day to stay on top of any issues the mini blizzard may cause, such as power outages, traffic issues, and other delays. In the meantime, while you're out shoveling, taking a walk, or getting around town, snap a picture and send it our way! We'll create a photo gallery of the season's first snowfall. Stay warm out there!

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Enjoy the Sunshine. It Won't Last!

It's time to pull your puffy and boots out of the closet -- finally.

Take a walk around the block today, it may be your last chance to enjoy this weather until April or May. Weather.com is reporting that the Midwest may get hit with anywhere between 6-10 inches of snow tomorrow. Yes, you read that right. You might have to actually shovel your driveway for the first time this year. In Evanston, a 100 percent chance of snow is expected but we'll get a lighter load: 2-4 inches. Weather.com predicts the snow will continue to fall through Saturday, and we will finally see snow again on Sunday.

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Letter to the Editor: Snow Removal

A letter to the editor from Evanston City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz.

Dear Editor: On behalf of the City of Evanston, my thanks to everyone in the community for your understanding and cooperation as we have worked to move snow out of your way. It has been a major undertaking.  Staff has been working 24 hours a day since last Tuesday afternoon to clear and remove snow. There are many things we think we did right and many things we want to change not only for the next blizzard, but anytime we declare a Snow Emergency.  I have asked Assistant City Manager Marty Lyons to develop an "after action" report to document what we did right and what we can do better.  The report will be presented to the City Council on March 14, 2011. I have already heard from many residents on the good and the "needs improvement" from …

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About Town

Video Snapshot of Evanston's Blizzard 2011

How did some Evanston residents (and dogs) deal with Chicagoland's third worst snowstorm on record? Pretty well, actually.

Sure, it's a lot of work digging out of 20+ inches of snow ... but some Evanston residents just can't help seeing the fun in all of this.

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Local Starbucks Delivers Food to Homeless During Blizzard

Employee Lee Walton reached out to customers on Wednesday to deliver pastries and sandwiches to the homeless.

Nearly two feet of snow shuttered the Starbucks in Eden Plaza, leaving perishable pastries and sandwiches idling in the refrigerated cases Wednesday. Luckily, employee Lee Walton weathered the blizzard and showed up to work early in the morning. It was clear to Walton that business would be slow that day, so she reached out to resident Deb Lawrence, a regular customer and Illinois workNet employee, on what to do with the crates of food. Illinois workNet is an organization provides training and resources for jobseekers. "She (Walton) called me up and said I have all this parishable food and I can’t open," Lawrence told Patch. "It was really just something that started as a joke because I knew Starbucks wasn’t open." Following Walton's phone…

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Wednesday Snow Update

What you need to know about the blizzard.

It looks like it's going to be a day of movies and board games for most Evanston residents (don't forget to check out our list of things to do with kids). The city has asked people to stay indoors today, and avoid walking or driving outside if possible. Here are some things you should know: -The Chicago Weather Center is reporting that the official total amount of snow in the blizzard was 20.2 inches (as measured at O'Hare). -About 70 percent of residential streets have been plowed, and there is at least one lane open on most main roads. Despite the progress, the city is having troubles with snow drifts. -Sheridan Road is still closed. City crews will begin to work on it at 10 a.m. -The police department said many people moved their cars …

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No Evanston School Closures Announced for Tuesday Morning

The schools will be monitoring the situation.

From District 65 Superintendent Hardy Murphy: As you know we are expecting a severe snow storm to blanket the entire area over the next two days. It appears that the worst of this storm will be during the afternoon, evening and night hours on Tuesday and continue through the morning and mid day hours of Wednesday, the next day. And, I am sure you are aware that because of the half day in-service for our teachers, students are scheduled for a half day of attendance on Wednesday. Because of this, a late start is not practical. However, I share your concerns for the safety of our students in getting to school.  I also know that many of you have child care concerns and that timely notification of whether school will be in session, is necessary…

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