Snowstorm Roundup: A Look at Yesterday and What's Coming Up Today

It took until the second week of January, but we finally got the first significant snow of the winter season.

For the most part, Thursday's snowfall was unremarkable with no major accidents or incidents. Mostly, it was a lot of wind and cold.

Just because we've finally gotten our first big winter snow doesn't mean we're returning to balmy (well, maybe brisk) 50-degree temperatures. The winter storm warning from Thursday is still in effect until 9 a.m. Friday, with highs not reaching 30 until Monday at the earliest, according to reports.

Here's a rundown of the day.

Thursday's Weather Numbers

High: 34 degrees

Low: 16 degrees

Snow accumulation at 8 p.m.: 5 inches

Wind gusts: Up to 38 mph

NOTE: Information from the National Weather Service and Wunderdog

Friday's Weather Forecast

High: 18 degrees

Low: 5 degrees

Conditions: Watch out for blowing snow and a chance of snow before noon. Wind chills could drop to -8 degrees at night. 

NOTE: Information from National Weather Service.

Accidents and Road Conditions

When I asked Chief John Burica how the day was going late Thursday afternoon, his answer made me chuckle.

"It's like any typical first day of snow. A lot of people have forgotten how to drive in it."

Officers dealt with an above average amount of cars skidding off the road and sliding into ditches around village roadways. Drivers tended to follow to closely to the cars in front of them or traveled too fast in areas where roads were slick, Burica said. Thankfully, police didn't respond to any serious accidents during the day, he added.

On the Frankfort Patch Facebook page, a reader mentioned an accident at around 5 p.m. Thursday on U.S. Route 30 near the that involved numerous police and fire vehicles. No further information was available at the time.

Although the department kept its usual day staffing Thursday, Burica said officers worked closely with the to help motorists.

Bill Carlson, road commissioner for , said his trucks were out between 10 and 11 a.m. to begin salting streets. At around 4 p.m. Thursday, Carlson said most of the roads were slushy with very little snow on them. Harlem Avenue was the worst roadway, but even that was still drivable, he added.

Cancellations and Postponements

All after-school activities for were canceled, and the wrestling matches at were rescheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18.

The only Friday cancellation we know about right now is the 9:30 a.m. yoga class at . Call to make sure later classes are still scheduled.

Also, if you know of any other closings or cancellations, post them in the comments section and on our Facebook page.

Traffic and Gas Guide

Before you head off for your rush hour commute this morning--and again in the evening--check the Patch's live traffic map. While you're there, you also can find who's selling the cheapest gas in Frankfort.

And no, all those orange triangles with exclamation points on the map are not good things.

Winter Activities

The snow and cold finally meant residents could indulge in some cold weather sports.

has a sledding hill, and has two ice rinks, one for skating and one for hockey. .

also has an ice skating rink. Call the park district to check on skating conditions.

Will County Forest Preserve: Check here for a variety of recreational activities throughout the county.

Images of the Day

We're still looking for readers' snow photos and videos from Thursday. You can upload them or to our Facebook page (I've already posted an album there). Show us what you did Thursday--and even today--to take advantage of the snow.

Or even how the snow took advantage of you.

YOUR TURN! Did the snow cause an accident near your house? Do you know about a school event or other type of closing? Tell us in the comments section.