Snow can arrive fast on the North Shore, and the first big storm often catches people off guard. Whether you live in Highland Park now or plan to move here this season, you want to know how the city handles plows, parking, and power. This guide gives you clear steps, key phone numbers, and trusted resources to help you stay safe and ready. Let’s dive in.
Highland Park winter at a glance
Winter here brings cold snaps, multiple snow events, and icy nights that can freeze pipes. The Chicago area typically sees seasonal snowfall totaling several dozen inches, with wide year-to-year swings in totals and timing. For regional context on winter patterns, see the overview of the Chicago climate. Planning ahead helps you avoid last‑minute stress when a storm hits.
How streets and sidewalks get cleared
Street-plowing priorities
Crews focus on main arterial and through streets first, along with school and downtown zones. Residential streets follow once priority routes are safe. During major storms, crews work around the clock, and it may take longer for minor streets to be cleared. If you have plow-related questions, contact Highland Park Public Works at 847-432-0807; after hours, use the public safety non-emergency line at 847-432-7730. Local reporting outlines these practices and contacts in a recent winter storm update.
Sidewalk clearing
City sidewalk clearing typically begins after crews finish priority streets and once accumulation meets a threshold. Local reporting indicates sidewalk plowing has started after about 4 inches of accumulation in recent seasons. Do not expect immediate clearing after light snow. Plan to wear traction footwear and give yourself extra time to walk.
What you’re responsible for
Residents are asked to clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties as soon as practical. Do not push or dump snow into the street, since that creates hazards and interferes with plows. If you can, clear a path to nearby fire hydrants to help first responders. These reminders appear in the city’s public communications covered by the same local update.
Parking, snow emergencies, and towing
Highland Park urges you to keep cars off the street during active plowing so crews can work efficiently. Some suburbs use snow-emergency declarations to enable temporary parking restrictions or towing; the triggers and rules vary by municipality. Monitor official city notifications for any declared restrictions and follow posted signs. If you are unsure, move vehicles to off-street parking until plows have passed.
Utilities and outage readiness
Report and stay safe during outages
ComEd serves most local electric customers. Report outages quickly and sign up for alerts through your utility, which helps crews assess damage and speed restoration. For Illinois-focused safety tips, generator rules, and outage guidance, the Citizens Utility Board offers a practical winter safety guide.
Protect your home during a blackout
Use generators only outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide risks. Keep a supply of flashlights, batteries, and a phone power bank ready, and avoid candles if possible. Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from surges when power returns. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food.
Warming centers and assistance
Households facing heating emergencies may qualify for help through local programs. In Lake County, nonprofits such as FiveCAP raise funds and support emergency heating assistance through efforts like Walk for Warmth. For context on these services, review coverage of FiveCAP’s heating-aid work in Lake County’s Walk for Warmth. During extreme cold, watch city or county notices for temporary warming-center locations and hours.
Trash and recycling during storms
Winter storms or extreme cold can delay curbside trash and recycling pickup. Many haulers pause yard-waste service in winter, and service may run on a delayed schedule after heavy snow to protect crews. Highland Park typically uses city emails, the website, and social media to announce any changes. Check those channels on storm days and the morning of pickup.
Your winter prep checklist
Before winter
- Service your heating system and replace the furnace filter. Test or add carbon monoxide detectors on each floor.
- Insulate pipes in unheated spaces and seal drafts at doors and windows.
- Build a 3-day kit with water, shelf-stable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and a phone power bank.
- Review your insurance for frozen-pipe and ice-dam coverage.
When a storm is forecast
- Top off vehicle fuel and fully charge devices.
- Bring people and pets indoors and set heat to a stable temperature.
- Move vehicles off the street so plows can pass and watch for city parking notices.
- Clear snow from around fire hydrants if it is safe to do so.
If the power goes out
- Report the outage to your utility and turn on outage alerts.
- Use battery lights, keep fridges/freezers closed, and run generators outside only.
- Use space heaters with caution and follow manufacturer guidance.
- If you have medical needs or your home becomes unsafe, plan to relocate to a warming center when available.
Who to call in a storm
- Highland Park Public Works: 847-432-0807
- Public safety non-emergency (after hours or to report downed lines/trees): 847-432-7730
Ready to navigate winter and your next move?
If you are buying or selling this season, you deserve a plan that accounts for winter timing, curb appeal, and safe access for showings. For clear advice and a high-touch strategy across the North Shore, reach out to The AVE Group. We are here to guide your next step with confidence.
FAQs
How does Highland Park prioritize snow removal on streets and sidewalks?
- Crews plow main roads and key zones first, then residential streets; sidewalk clearing typically begins after priority streets are handled, with local reporting noting a roughly 4-inch threshold for sidewalk plowing.
What are my responsibilities for snow on my property in Highland Park?
- You are asked to clear adjacent sidewalks as soon as practical, not push snow into the street, and keep fire hydrants accessible when safe to do so.
How do I report a power outage during a winter storm?
- Report the outage to your electric utility and sign up for outage alerts; follow safety guidance on generators, carbon monoxide, and food safety during the outage.
Who should I call about a fallen tree or blocked street after a storm?
- Call Highland Park Public Works at 847-432-0807 during business hours or the public safety non-emergency line at 847-432-7730 after hours.
Will trash and recycling pickups change during heavy snow or extreme cold?
- Yes, service can be delayed after major storms and yard-waste service often pauses in winter; watch city communications on storm days for schedule updates.