Courtesy of the City of Galesburg
Galesburg, IL (November 28, 2025) The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting heavy snowfall accumulation for the region and has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning late tonight and lasting until 6:00 am Sunday morning. The Galesburg area could see over 10 inches of snow by Sunday morning. 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, with all routes running one day behind. Details on each are provided below. Snow Emergency – City of Galesburg
Contact: City of Galesburg Public Works Dept.
Phone: 309-345-3623
Snow Emergency begins: Friday,November 28, 2025, at midnight
A snow emergency has been declared for the City of Galesburg, effective at midnight on Friday, November 28, 2025. Citizens 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 6:00 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 ServicesContact: Galesburg Community Development Department
Phone: 309-345-3619
Due to the impending weather, Waste Management has canceled the Saturday, November 29th, 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, December 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 National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting heavy snowfall accumulation for our region and has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning late tonight and lasting until 6:00 am Sunday morning. 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.
