CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner convened a conference call this afternoon with leaders of the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Commerce Commission and Central Management Services for an update regarding the ongoing winter storm and the state`s readiness to assist citizens.
Prior to the call, Governor Rauner activated the State Incident Response Center in Springfield to ensure state personnel and equipment are ready to be quickly deployed if needed to help local emergency responders deal with the blizzard conditions in the Chicago area.
Relevant facts from today`s storm include :
· There have been no requests from local first responders for additional state assistance - state agencies are prepared in case a need arises
· There have been no serious injuries or fatalities reported due to today`s weather
· All IDOT snow plows are in use where needed
· There are further concerns following the end of the storm when temperatures drop which may result in freezing roads. Motorists are advised to remain off the roads, but if travel is necessary to use extreme caution
· There are approximately 16,000 ComEd customers without power
· There are approximately 1,850 MidAmerican Energy customers without power
· There are approximately 800 Ameren Illinois customers without power
· All companies have assured the state they are working as quickly as possible to restore power, and all customers should have power restored by tomorrow
· I-57 around Champaign is still closed due to an overturned truck - crews are working quickly as possible to open the highway - traffic is being diverted
· While the tanker truck was not carrying any hazardous material, approximately 68 homes were evacuated out of an abundance of caution
· There have been 1,100 flights cancelled at O`Hare and 200 at Midway
· State IT services are in good shape and functioning
The governor is confident the state is poised and ready for action should conditions continue to deteriorate and cause further, more serious problems. He continues to urge motorists to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
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