Update: City of DeKalb declares snow emergency for roads as winter storm arrives

DeKalb County residents ought to prepare for the incoming weather this weekend, and residents in DeKalb should know the City of DeKalb has called a snow emergency, as accumulations are expected to reach up to five inches of snow.

Snow emergencies in DeKalb means that snow routes have been activated, requiring all cars parked curbside in specific areas to be moved to make way for snow plows coming through.

According to the city's parking ordinances, all vehicles must be removed from the street during or after a snowfall that accumulates 2 inches or more of snow. Snow emergencies are declared by the DeKalb Chief of Police, according to the city code, at which time vehicles must remain off the streets until the area has been plowed.

Streets that are designated snow routes are marked with a sign, and include heavily traveled areas like Lincoln Highway and the downtown corridor, including residential areas.

A detailed list of areas with restricted parking during snow storms can be found in Chapter 51, section I, of the DeKalb Municipal Code, or viewed at www.cityofdekalb.com/documentcenter/view/186.

Residents could see up to 5 inches of snow by Saturday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

The advisory is in effect from 2 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday, with mixed precipitation expected. Drivers should be on alert during their Friday evening commute because the roads will be affected. Snow was already caked on the road when nightfall hit the area.

Snow is expected to continue to fall throughout Friday evening with sleet and freezing rain possible late Friday night, according to the advisory.

Residents will get a break from winter weather Saturday morning before temperatures fall. Winds could increase to 45 mph while light snow resumes.

As of 5 p.m. Friday, DeKalb County Sheriff's Sgt. Steve Rubeck reported zero calls about weather-related incidents."

"No accidents yet," he said. "We're assuming the roads aren't terrible yet or people are just taking their time."

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office reported no calls in Sycamore at that time. The Sheriff's Office also handles calls for Sycamore Police Department.

DeKalb Police Cmdr. Steve Lekkas said he left the office about 4:45 p.m. Friday, before which he received no calls to the DeKalb Police Department.