As winter storms hit Champaign County, local residents are warned to take as many precautions as possible.

Stacy Rachel, administrative services supervisor for the city of Champaign, said while the accumulation of snow is light – approximately 3 inches had gathered by 10 a.m. Thursday – high winds gusting up to 25 mph are making the situation more dangerous.

“It’s a light powdery snow which makes it fairly easy to plow,” Rachel said. “Unfortunately it’s also very susceptible to windy conditions.”

Rachel said the city is combatting the situation by plowing the steets continuously, employing two groups of snow plow teams working in 12-hour, alternating shifts.

The city also has a full inventory of salt and other snow removing chemicals, however Rachel said frigid outside temperatures are reducing the effectiveness of such products.

“If at all possible stay home and stay off the streets, just for safety reasons,” she said. “Plan ahead, allow for some extra time, be cautious when you’re driving and definitely keep an eye out for snow ploughs.”

According to a press release from the Champaign Public Works Department, the city is also activating snow routes this evening. Residents are required to move their vehicles from the following locations by 7:30 p.m. Thursday to aid in “expediting the city’s street clearing efforts:”

UNIVERSITY AVENUE from State St. to Mattis Ave.

CHURCH STREET from State St. to Mattis Ave.

STATE STREET from Bradley Ave. to Kirby Ave.

RANDOLPH STREET from Bradley Ave. to Hessel Blvd.

HESSEL BOULEVARD from State St. to Neil St.