Report Critiques Chicago's Response to 2011 Blizzard (PHOTOS)

Though it can be hard to think back to the driving snow, harsh winds and sub-zero temperatures that marked Chicago's great Snowmaggedon of 2011 given the city's current heat, humidity and general sweat factor, a report released Monday by the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) laid out a series of suggestions for the city in dealing with future wintry calamities.

For those in need of a recap, more than 20 inches of snow fell over the course of only a few hours to jumpstart the city's February 1-2 blizzard, which the office described as "extraordinary" in their report. It was reportedly the city's third-largest snow storm on record as Chicago Public Schools closed their doors for the first time in 12 years and hundreds of cars on the city's Lake Shore Drive were stopped in their tracks. Many motorists were left stranded for several hours and the drive did not open until 33 hours later, as the Associated Press reported.

OEMC executive director Gary Schenkel described the city's response to the blizzard as a "fantastic" despite the unprecedented snowfall. Responding to questions concerning why Lake Shore Drive remained open so late into the storm, until well after rush hour, Schenkel stood by his predecessor Jose Santiago's decision, as quoted in the Chicago Sun-Times.

“We made the best decisions around-the-clock in order not to create, possibly what happened in 1999 where the entire place was gridlocked," he added.

The 12-page report, which was ordered by former Mayor Richard M. Daley, laid out recommendations for future snow emergencies focused largely on Lake Shore Drive including installing median cuts or vehicle outlets to allow vehicles on the drive to turn around and improving communications through installing additional surveillance cameras.

The blizzard cost the city of Chicago $37.3 million to recover from the blizzard, while the Sun-Times reported Tuesday that suburban Cook County spent only $372,000 to clean up.

Looking for a cool down? Revisit your chilly memories from the Groundhog's Day blizzard through the slideshow below:

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Comments

[Cold in Michigan]

12:53 AM on 06/25/2011

Being in Mi we often look to Chicago to know what is coming our way. This was a well formed storm that came with plenty of warning. Unfortunityly for Chigago, the drivers did not listen to the warnings, blocked streets and got caught outside.

I can understand certain people that needed to get out and to work, hospital personal, fire and police, that sort of thing. But one thing I will never understand is why so many people insist on rushing out...and trying to 'get home before it hits".

I know many people have to go to work and will be disciplined if they do not. However, perhaps it is time for the States of the Midwest to pass some common sense laws. Like the obvious..."If you insist your employees come into work, do not supply them with hotel accomidations, than you, as their employer will inncur any cost to the city of removeing their car and other expenses connected with them working during a state of Emergency."

If the employee goes into work, when it is not mandatory, they should pay. As should anyone out weather like that.

How can any city keep up with a storm of this size when the streets and bridges are blocked with cars. Their first worry should be to get any stranded motorist, but that would have been close to impossible.

[crookedcountyillinois]

12:50 PM on 06/22/2011

I'd like to rightfully, instead, criticize the people who drove during a blizzard.

The forecast was out for 24 hours before the storm actually hit; and people drove in it anyways.

Now they criticize the City for "not doing enough."

[gevan]

07:40 PM on 06/21/2011

Looks alot like it did here on December 27th.