Champaign Sees Record-Breaking Snowfall in Early Winter

Public works crews plow nearly 30,000 miles as snow totals top two feet

Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of Champaign, Illinois has experienced an exceptionally snowy start to the winter season, with over 24 inches of snowfall from November 2025 through January 2026. Public works crews have been working tirelessly, plowing over 29,900 miles of roads, applying 3,477 tons of salt and 7,625 gallons of calcium chloride, and logging 5,450 labor hours to keep the streets safe and passable for residents.

Why it matters

The heavy snowfall and extensive plowing efforts highlight the challenges that Champaign's infrastructure and public works department face during harsh winter weather. The record-breaking snow totals and plowing mileage underscore the importance of proper winter weather preparedness and resource allocation for the city to ensure the safety and mobility of its residents.

The details

Champaign has seen over 24 inches of snow from November 2025 through January 2026, marking one of the snowiest starts to winter in recent memory. The city's public works crews have been working around the clock, plowing a distance greater than the Earth's circumference and more than nine times the width of the United States. In addition to the extensive plowing, crews have applied 3,477 tons of salt and 7,625 gallons of calcium chloride, logging 5,450 labor hours to keep the streets safe and passable.

  • From November 2025 through January 2026, Champaign has seen over 24 inches of snow.
  • As of January 26, the city's public works crews have plowed over 29,900 miles of roads.

The players

Champaign Public Works

The city's public works department responsible for maintaining roads and infrastructure during winter weather events.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The heavy snowfall and extensive plowing efforts in Champaign highlight the importance of proper winter weather preparedness and resource allocation for the city to ensure the safety and mobility of its residents during harsh winter conditions.