The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to give plow trucks plenty of room on the roads during this weekend’s winter storm. ( IDOT file photo)

The Illinois Department of Transportation is preparing for the winter storm that is expected much of Illinois from early evening Friday through Saturday afternoon.

The National Weather Service is forecasting approximately 10 inches of snow in portions of northern and northwestern Illinois, and measurable amounts throughout the northern half of the state. The heavy snowfall likely will create hazardous driving conditions.

Roads will be slick and travel times potentially will be significantly longer than usual. Motorists should monitor the forecast and consider adjusting travel plans in areas where a large amount of snow is expected.

“When it’s snowing, you should ask yourself if your trip is necessary before heading out,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “If you have to travel, don’t crowd the plow. We will be working throughout the storm, so please give our crews plenty of room.”

IDOT crews are pretreating bridges and ramps, as these locations are prone to icing.

“Every year, motorists face weather conditions that have a significant impact on transportation and passenger safety. Whether it’s a semi-truck or a motor vehicle, every safety precaution should be taken to ensure that crashes are avoided and roads are safe,” said Illinois State Police Col.l Tad Williams.

“Reducing your speed, increasing distances between vehicles, avoid unnecessary lane changes, and allowing for extra travel time, are just a few simple precautions drivers can take to make commutes safer.”

For those who have to travel during tough winter weather, the state police encourage drivers to make sure their gas tank is full and to keep a cell phone, warm clothes, blankets, food, water, a first aid kit, washer fluid, and an ice scraper in their vehicle.

Visit thisYou Tube video for additional tips in our winter driving.  https://youtu.be/qHU_4Jq8PKY

IDOT will update statewide road conditions throughout the weekend at www.gettingaroundillinois.com and on its Facebook and Twitter pages.

— IDOT,  State Police urge caution during weekend winter storm —