McDonough District Hospital's convenience clinic will be closed Saturday, Nov. 29 due to expected weather conditions.

The emergency department will remain open.

The community pharmacy is still scheduled to operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a lunch closure from 1 to 1:30 p.m., and will accept walk-ins only. The MDH laboratory drive-through is also expected to be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Hospital officials say any further weather-related updates will be posted on MDH’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

The city of Macomb is declaring a snow emergency from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Sunday.

It shall be unlawful for any person to park or allow a motor vehicle to remain parked on a street that has been designated as a snow route in the city.

The main concern with this storm is the total predicated accumulation of snow.

As a reminder those citizens within the city that are located in the designated sidewalk abatement zones, this notice also serves as a sidewalk enforcement declaration by the Public Works Director. The city would kindly ask that citizens have their the sidewalks cleared before the start of school on Monday, Dec. 1.

The following link will direct you to the sidewalk snow removal maps. https://bit.ly/macombsnowremoval

The city of Macomb would appreciate your cooperation and patience and please help keep our streets safe for those who must travel.

The National Weather Service says the a major winter storm will affect the area with heavy snow, starting tonight and ending by early Sunday morning.

Significant travel impacts are expected. Gusts up to 30 mph are possible, leading to drifting snow, mainly Saturday.

There is a low chance for a wintry mix in the far south Saturday afternoon, which could impact snowfall totals.

This is likely to be one of the biggest snow producing storms in a long time for many areas, as well as being a huge event to start the winter season.

The city of Fort Madison has declared a snow emergency for the entire city area from 8 p.m Friday, Nov, 28 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2.

The city thanks everyone in advance for helping the public works department get the streets cleared as quickly as possible in the upcoming winter storm. Also, thank you for taking care of your sidewalks to make it safe for everyone in our community.

Please follow the parking protocol for snow emergencies and keeping sidewalks clear for residents as per the Fort Madison City Code.

As a result of the incoming winter weather, the city of Galesburg has declared a snow emergency beginning at midnight tonight, warming shelters are available, and refuse collection has been canceled for Saturday, Nov. 29, with all routes running one day behind. Details on each are provided below.

Snow Emergency – City of GalesburgContact:   City of Galesburg Public Works Dept.Phone:      309/345-3623

Snow Emergency begins Friday, Nov. 28 at midnight.
Ctizens are reminded that parking is prohibited on all Galesburg city streets during a snow emergency. Vehicles parked on city streets (except in the central business district) during this time will be subject to ticketing and towing. The parking prohibition will remain in effect until all streets are cleared.

According to the National Weather Service and local forecasts, possible snow accumulation is expected to begin at midnight tonight and continue until 6 a.m. on Sunday. City streets are plowed when accumulation reaches two inches, and removal of vehicles facilitates this process. 

Additional information on snow removal procedures can be found on the City's website. To sign-up to receive alerts when a snow emergency is declared, visit the Enotify page of the City’s website.

Changes to Waste Management Services
Contact:   Galesburg Community Development Department
Phone:     (309) 345-3619

Due to the impending weather, Waste Management has canceled the Saturday, Nov. 29 refuse collection. Collection will resume on Monday, December 1st, and all routes will be moved back one day for the week.Revised Collection Schedule:

• Saturday (11/29) Holiday Collection: Moved to Monday, Dec. 1
• Regular Monday Collection: Moved to Tuesday
• Regular Tuesday Collection: Moved to Wednesday
• Regular Wednesday Collection: Moved to Thursday
• Regular Thursday Collection: Moved to Friday
• Regular Friday Collection: Moved to Saturday (12/6)

Winter Weather & Warming Centers

Contact:   Fire Chief Hovind, Knox County EMA Coordinator
Phone:     (309) 345-3756 

The Galesburg area could see over 10 inches of snow by Sunday morning. The Knox County Snowmobile Rescue Team will be available for emergency rescues and is working in coordination with surrounding county rescue teams.  

The following locations in Galesburg and Knox County will be available as warming centers:

• Knox County Housing Authority Overnight Shelter - 525/527 Iowa Ct, Galesburg (open daily from 6:00 PM - 7:00 AM)Public Safety Building Lobby - 150 S Broad St, Galesburg (open 24 hours, daily)
• YMCA Lobby - 1324 W Carl Sandburg Drive, Galesburg (available as a warming center on Saturday from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
• Oneida Fire Station - 210 N Sage St., Oneida (available 24 hours on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)
• Wataga Fire Station - 310 W Willard St, Wataga  (available 24 hours on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)
• Knoxville Fire Station - 137 N. Public Square, Knoxville (available 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday)
• Williamsfield Fire Station - 200 E. Gales St. Williamsfield (available 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday)

 Preparing for a winter storm

• Have supplies on hand: Keep a winter storm kit in your home and car, including blankets, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and needed prescription medications.
• Stay informed: Keep an eye on the weather forecast so you can prepare for the storm.
• Call 911: If you become stranded in your vehicle, call 911 for assistance.

General Safety

• Stay dry: Wear layers of warm clothing, mittens, and a hat.
• Stay hydrated: Drink fluids, but avoid heavy meals right before or after strenuous activity like shoveling.
• Listen to your body: Avoid overexertion, which can cause a heart attack or hypothermia. Take frequent breaks or stop if you feel exhausted.
• Walk carefully: Pay attention to your footing, especially on snowy or icy surfaces.

Shoveling Safety: 

• Lift with your legs, not your back: Bend your knees and lift with your legs to protect your back.
• Don't overexert yourself: Shovel only small amounts of snow at a time and take frequent breaks.
•  Stop if you feel exhausted: Shoveling can be strenuous, so stop entirely if you feel tired.

In case of a heart attack

• Call 911 immediately.

Driving safety:

• Slow down: Drive below posted speed limits and maintain a safe, steady speed.
• Keep your distance: Increase the distance between your vehicle and others, especially on bridges and on-ramps.
• Don't use cruise control: Avoid using cruise control in wintry conditions.
• Prepare your car: Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle, including a phone, charger, blankets, and flashlight.

Follow our live blog for updates and weather-related announcements.

A winter storm warning is in effect from 12 a.m. Saturday through 6 a.m. Sunday in portions of west central Illinois, southeast Iowa, and northeast Missouri.

Heavy snow is expected, with total snow accumulations between 7 and 10 inches and winds gusting up to 35 mph.