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Peoria Buried Under 10 Inches of Snow

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/07/peoria-buried-under-10-inches-of-snow.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 6:32 GMT by WMBD Peoria
      Locales: Illinois, UNITED STATES

PEORIA, Ill. (February 7th, 2026) - Peoria is currently engaged in a city-wide effort to recover from a substantial snowfall that descended upon the region overnight and into this morning. Accumulations ranging from 6 to 10 inches, according to early reports, have created hazardous travel conditions and prompted a robust response from the Peoria Public Works Department.

The snowfall, which began late Friday, quickly escalated, impacting both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. City officials mobilized resources swiftly, deploying a full complement of snowplows, snow blowers, and salt/de-icer trucks. The immediate focus has been on clearing priority routes - major thoroughfares like War Memorial Drive, University Street, and Knoxville Avenue - as well as roads providing access to essential services such as hospitals (OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and UnityPoint Health - Peoria), fire stations, and police headquarters.

"We've been preparing for winter weather events all season," stated Steve Faith, Director of Peoria Public Works, in a press briefing this morning. "This particular storm brought a significant volume of snow in a relatively short period, presenting a considerable challenge. Our crews are working 24/7, in shifts, to ensure the safety and mobility of our residents. We're prioritizing the most critical roadways first, but we are committed to addressing residential streets as quickly as possible."

However, this snowstorm isn't just about clearing roads; it's a revealing test of Peoria's winter weather infrastructure. The city has invested heavily in recent years in upgrading its fleet of snow removal equipment, including GPS-tracked plows that optimize routes and minimize duplication of effort. The implementation of pre-treatment strategies - applying brine to roadways before the snow begins to fall - appears to have been moderately effective, although the sheer weight of the snowfall quickly overwhelmed the initial protective layer in many areas.

The National Weather Service's travel advisory remains in effect, urging residents to postpone non-essential travel. The advisory highlights the potential for reduced visibility, slippery road conditions, and increased stopping distances. Peoria Police Department spokesperson, Sergeant Maria Hernandez, echoed this warning: "We've already responded to a number of minor traffic incidents. We implore drivers to slow down, increase following distances, and be extra cautious, particularly on bridges and overpasses, where ice formation is more likely."

Beyond the immediate concerns of road clearing and traffic safety, the snowstorm is also highlighting the ongoing challenges related to pedestrian access. Sidewalks, particularly in older neighborhoods, remain largely snow-covered, posing difficulties for those attempting to walk to work, school, or essential appointments. The city's snow removal ordinance requires property owners to clear sidewalks within 24 hours of the snowfall ending, but enforcement remains a challenge. There's growing discussion within the city council about expanding the Public Works Department's sidewalk clearing responsibilities, though budgetary constraints present a significant hurdle.

The economic impact of the storm is also beginning to emerge. Numerous businesses reported delayed openings or reduced staffing levels as employees struggled to commute to work. Delivery services are experiencing significant delays, and the Peoria International Airport has seen a number of flight cancellations and delays. The long-term effects on local commerce will be monitored closely.

Looking ahead, the city is preparing for potentially colder temperatures in the coming days, which could exacerbate the existing challenges. Black ice formation is a major concern, and the Public Works Department is stockpiling additional salt and de-icing agents. Residents are encouraged to check the city's website (www.peoriagov.org) and social media channels for the latest updates and information on road closures and snow removal operations. The city is also reminding residents to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may require assistance. This storm serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of preparedness and community support during severe winter weather events.