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The blizzard that should hit Chicago could come later than expected. But do not thank for the moment. Conditions similar to the snowstorm are still in progress.
The winter storm warning was extended in Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kendall, Lake and Will counties until Monday morning at 9 am, according to the National Weather Service. Although the storm is now expected to arrive later than planned, the intensity and duration are consistent with the objectives.
The weather is already responsible for the cancellation of nearly 400 flights from the region's airports, and transport officials said that traveling by car would also be dangerous.
At the height of the storm, 2 inches of snow per hour are possible, depending on the weather service. Todd Kluber, a weather forecaster at the National Weather Service, said the extreme northwestern suburb could see snow between 9 and 12 inches, 6 to 10 inches at O. Hare, 3 to 5 inches at Midway and 2 to 4 inches on the immediate coastline. and downtown Chicago.
The snow is expected to hit the northern and western parts of the Chicago area between 5pm and 5pm. and 19 hours, and transition to the southeast.
The storm, which could cause wind gusts of up to 40 mph, reduced visibility and sometimes even near-whiteout conditions, will be at its worst in Chicago around midnight, Kluber said.
"Basically, the event was off by about six hours," said Kluber. "We are still waiting for the same duration, the longevity of the system. And the impacts should be the same.
Travelers must be prepared to face slippery roads, reduced visibility and increased travel time, the meteorological service said.
"The bottom line is that all those with travel plans are planning to delay or adjust their travel plans, especially tonight at night," Kluber said. "Prepare for slow, dangerous trips, and have emergency supplies available in the car in case you get stuck."
"Please, take all necessary precautions, including modifying your travel plans to leave earlier or asking yourself if your trip can wait," said the Illinois Secretary of Transportation. , Randy Blankenhorn, in a press release from the Illinois Department of Transportation. "The IDOT teams on the snow and ice will be ready, but the public should expect a deterioration in driving conditions on Sunday, with travel becoming dangerous at the end of the day."
IDOT travel tips include slowing down, increasing the distance traveled and staying patient if you encounter a plow during your trip. It is also advisable to slow down, drive with a full tank of gas, wear a seatbelt and, in case of emergency, dial * 999 in the Chicago area for help on the roads.
The Meteorological Service recommends that you keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, with a mobile phone charger, water and snacks, a flashlight, warm clothing, a blanket and a first aid kit. The kit's recommendations also include starter cables, tire chains or snow tires, flares, a tank full of gasoline, a sandbag, a tow rope and a shovel, an ice scraper and a snow broom.
Travelers returning home after the holiday weekend may face their own challenges. As of 12:20 pm Sunday, 259 flights were canceled at O'Hare and 111 at Midway. The average delays at both airports were less than 15 minutes, according to the Chicago Aviation Department.
The combination of heavy snow and high winds could also damage power lines. The meteorological service has therefore asked Chicago residents to prepare for power outages.
Due to freezing temperatures that are expected to remain until Thursday, the snow will not melt right away. Temperatures in mid-thirties will fall below freezing due to the presence of snow and will remain hovering in the first twenty hours until Monday.
A riparian flood warning is also in effect for Cook, Lake and Porter Counties starting at 9:00 pm. Sunday at 12h Monday. Flooding is possible on Lake Shore Drive, with wind gusts of up to 50 mph on the immediate shoreline and possible waves of 12 to 18 feet.
Sunday, Chicago received 3.6 inches of snow in November, half an inch above average for this period of the month, according to the weather service.
Twitter @morgreene
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