by Steve Dunford

INA, IL – There have been several posts on social media about a serious accident on southbound interstate 57 just north of the Franklin/Jefferson county line.

I spoke with a representative from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s department and said the interstate is closed at the 57/64 split and diverting traffic to Route 37.  The interstate will be closed for several hours.

I am unsure of the northbound lanes at this time, as they usually back up.  I would seek an alternate route as well.

If you are heading to the west side of Franklin County, I would suggest taking Illinois 148.  If you are heading to the east side of the county, I would suggest using Log Cabin Road off of State Route 142.

I need you all to be my eyes to the public, if there is any traffic backing up in the Benton on East or West Main, please let me know, as well as any in the Cities of Christopher and Sesser, because Routes 148 and 14 could get heavy as well.

I will provide further updates as information becomes available.

UPDATE:  Here is a link to the story from WSIL http://www.wsiltv.com/story/35930799/isp-fatal-crash-shuts-down-i-57-near-ina

UPDATE:  12:30 p.m.  Route 37 is backed up in Bonnie.  Here is an option if you need to get to the east side of the county from Mt. Vernon, you can take Interstate 64 to the Belle Rive- Bluford exit (at the 89 Mile Marker),  Go south and that takes you into Belle Rive.  Go East into Dahlgren.  Go south out of town, and it will take you to Route 14.  If going toward Rend Lake College and Wayne Fitzgerell is backed up in Bonnie, you can go East out of town and the road winds around to the Ewing Blacktop.

I talked to Central Dispatch and 148 is in good shape as of now.  If someone would tell how traffic is flowing on North Main and West Main in Benton let me know, especially around the Benton square.

UPDATE:  5:00 p.m.  The interstate is now open.  There was one killed with two injuries.  Here is a link to the latest story from KFVS – TV.

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/35930956/1-dead-2-injured-in-crash-on-i-57-in-jefferson-co-il-involving-multiple-semi-trucks?utm_content=bufferc512b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Press Release from Ryan Buckingham, Director of Franklin County Emergency Management Agency

County officials also want to stress the importance of checking on your neighbors and other citizens that may have functional or special needs. “We are well known in Southern Illinois for taking care of our own, friend to friend, neighbor to neighbor. If you know of someone that may be venerable to extreme temperatures, take moment to check on them from time to time” added Director of Emergency Management Ryan M. Buckingham.

Officials want to remind you of the following tips for avoiding injury and death with extreme heat:\

• Stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and a wide-brimmed hat. 
• Stay in the shade or under awnings as much as possible. 
• Avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities. 
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible to prevent sunburn. 
• Consume plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Water, diluted juices, and electrolyte solutions are best. Stay away from carbonated drinks. Avoid alcohol. 
• If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or taking diuretics, consult your doctor before exposing yourself to heat. 
• Keep lights in your home low or off, keep shades drawn, and avoid using the oven.
• Keep rooms well ventilated with air conditioners and fans. Keep your windows open if you don’t have air conditioning or a fan. 
• Cool down with cool, wet towels and periodic cool baths or showers. 
• Take advantage of cooling centers, public pools, and air-conditioned stores and malls during periods of extreme heat.
• Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness. 
• Closely monitor children, the elderly, or those who require special care during periods of intense summer heat. 
• Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes. On a hot day, temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140ºF-190ºF within 30 minutes.
• Make a special effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are seniors, families with young children, people with special needs, or living alone.
• Seniors and others who may be sensitive to extreme heat should contact friends, neighbors, or relatives periodically throughout the day.
• Seek help if you feel symptoms of heat-related illnesses. 

Pets are another major concern when temperatures rise. Franklin County Animal Control Supervisor Thad Snell reminds residents that animals can just as at risk to extreme temperatures as humans. “Never leave your pet in your vehicle. Keep your pet indoors and put out plenty of water for them to stay hydrated during hot summer days. If your pet must stay outdoors, provide ventilated shelter, baby pools filled with water, and sunscreen on pets with short hair” added Snell.  

For more information on emergency preparedness and extreme heat visit Franklin County Government online at www.franklincountyil.gov/preparedness. 

…Dangerous heat and humidity Wednesday through Sunday…

.A large upper level high will produce a dome of heat and
humidity across the region through Sunday. The combination of the
heat and humidity will produce maximum heat index values over 100
degrees each day from the late morning to late afternoon hours,
with peak heat index values pushing 105 degrees or slightly higher
some areas. Actual high temperatures will be in the mid 90s, and
in a few places upper 90s.

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Paducah KY

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

Dangerous heat and humidity will spread across the region starting
today. The heat index will top 100 degrees this afternoon in most
areas. A Heat Advisory begins today around noon and runs through
the weekend. Please refer to the Advisory product for details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Thursday through Tuesday

Afternoon heat indices will continue to top 100 degrees through
the weekend with some locations peaking near or slightly higher
than 105 degrees. A Heat Advisory will continue through Sunday. Please
refer to the Advisory product for details.

A chance of thunderstorms returns late Saturday night into the
first part of next week. The main threats with any storms will be
lightning and heavy rain.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotter activation is not anticipated.

Detailed Forecast