Winter storm causing roadway accidents

Snow is falling across the listening area and should continue through tonight.  The latest forecast is calling for up to 5 inches of snow, along with freezing rain, sleet and sub-zero wind chills.  The snow plows are out and about and so are the tow trucks.  The quickly-falling snow has produced driving hazards throughout the area, and police are warning drivers to stay home if possible.  Police have been called

out to crashes on the Spring Valley curves and the Interstate 80-Interstate 39 junction.   State police responded to a few crashes and a few vehicles in the ditch along Interstate 80 and on Interstate 39, south of I-80, according to Trooper Craig Graham, spokesman for Illinois State Police District 17. After talking with an IDOT representative, Graham said they were not using salt to keep the roads clear due to the conditions.  Graham says the salt gets covered by snow right away and doesn’t have any effect.  Graham says if you must travel, turn your headlights on and don’t follow too closely.  You’re urged to go slowly and use caution.