Area gets ready for winter storm

The Illinois Department of Transportation is warning the public that winter weather will affect much of the state Tuesday evening through Wednesday, creating slick and slippery conditions, with some areas expected to receive up to 9 inches of snow. To prepare, IDOT as usual will have its snow-and-ice teams pretreating roads and bridges as necessary, with plowing operations ongoing throughout the storm and continuing in the days afterward. 

“The men and women of IDOT will be out in force before, during and after the storm, but we need the public’s cooperation as well,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “The safest option during inclement weather always is to avoid unnecessary trips and remain home, but if you are driving, expect travel to be slow and build plenty of extra time into your schedule. Conditions may be dangerous.”

Vandalia School District announced on Friday that due to the forecast, Wednesday would be an E-Learning Day, and students were to refer to the Live Feed on the school’s website for e-learning guidelines.

Vandalia Christian Academy had called off school.

Patoka Unit District 100 also called off school due to the impending weather. According to a Facebook post, students are to refer to the school’s website for e-learning instructions as well as a schedule.

South Central School District also announced an E-Learning Day.

Other school closures included Brownstown, Mulberry Grove, St. Elmo and Ramsey school districts.