DeKalb County sheriff reports zero vehicle crashes from Monday’s high winds

As weather officials continue to urge drivers in northern Illinois to exercise caution with advisory-level winds in the area, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office reported zero related vehicle crashes as of 1:40 p.m. Monday.

According to the National Weather Service, the highest gusts of wind were expected along and north of I-80 through Monday morning.

“West to northwest winds will gust up to 40 to 50 mph today,” weather officials wrote in the Monday advisory.

Weather officials wrote in the Monday advisory much colder air will spread over the region Monday night.

“Wind chill values may lower to near or just below zero across parts of northern Illinois by early Tuesday morning,” weather officials wrote.

DeKalb County Sheriff Andy Sullivan said Monday the sheriff’s office “only had one driver in the ditch call” from gloomy weather conditions Sunday on Plank Road.

“The driver stated they were ran off the road by another vehicle that was unable to be located,” Sullivan said, referring to the Sunday incident.

Sullivan said no vehicle crashes were reported due to the high winds as of 1:40 p.m. Monday.

“The road conditions did not seem to deteriorate on the county roads that we were informed about,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan’s comments come as weather officials predict a slight chance of snow during the day on Tuesday.

Sheriff’s officials have reminded residents to use best winter driving habits like making sure they have full tanks of gas and blankets in their vehicles, giving themselves more time to stop while driving, not following other cars too closely, driving slower and allowing themselves more time to get to their destinations.