Weather in Chicago: Widespread snow could create morning commute problems in area

CHICAGO (WLS) – Widespread snow overnight has blanketed the Chicago area in heavy precipitation, making morning trips possible.

There had been about 1 to 5 inches of snow in the area by 4 a.m. Tuesday, ABC 7 Chicago meteorologist Tracy Butler said. More snow is expected throughout the morning and the wind is causing visibility problems.

Lake-like snow will likely add more accumulation later Tuesday morning in Lake, Cook and DuPage counties.

The storm will likely produce 4 to 8 inches in total, Butler said.

SEE ALSO | Chicago area schools closed

The heaviest snow is expected in Lake and Cook counties, just inland from Lake Michigan.

The snow will be wet and heavy, so it may be a good idea to shovel several times during the storm as the snow accumulates.

A Winter storm warning is in effect until noon Tuesday for DeKalb, Grundy, Kane, Kendall and LaSalle counties and until 5 p.m. Tuesday for Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will counties.

A Lakeside flood warning is in effect along the Lake Michigan shore until noon Tuesday. There is a low risk of ice and freezing rain in these areas during the storm.

City snowplows, salt spreaders attack arteries

Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation prepared its fleet of salt spreaders earlier Monday as it prepared to tackle more than 9,400 miles of track with piles of salt parked throughout the city . Several spreaders and plows have already been deployed.

“Watch your driving conditions. I think we’ve all become accustomed to not having that many vehicles on the road,” said Rich Guidice, executive director of the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications. “We may have spotted some bad driving behavior over the past year, a year and a half and we want to make sure people are aware of leaving enough distance for the car in front of you, make sure your tank gasoline is full. “

With its thousands of cameras attached to main roads, OEMC has said it will pay close attention to Lake Shore Drive overnight.

“We have 240 miles of town to look out for, but Lakeshore Drive is something we’re going to be paying special attention to, obviously because of its proximity to the lake,” Guidice said.

On the south side, at Interstate 94 and 111th Street, fire crews assisted a woman whose car had sunk into a ditch. Another car was towed from Lake Shore Drive, as crashes became rampant from Monday night to Tuesday morning.

Snow also blanketed Chicago’s sidewalks, and waves crashed along the beaches, making the lakeside path unsafe.

Flight delays at O’Hare Airport were minor early Tuesday, with around 20 cancellations. Midway also had minor delays and 17 cancellations.

Local nonprofit My Block My Hood My City calls for volunteers to help shovel snow for seniors in their neighborhood.

“The city is about to be overwhelmed by Mother Nature, so we want to step in and help,” said Jahmal Cole, executive director of My Block My Hood My City.

The group plans to meet at 64th and Vernon in the city’s West Woodlawn neighborhood at noon Tuesday.

“We know the old people are, you know, some of them have neuropathy in their wrist, they have oxygen, they say they can’t go out and shovel on their own,” Cole said. . “So our philosophy is, what can you do that is simple that will have a positive impact on your bouldering.”

My Block My Hood My City plans to provide supplies to anyone who wants to volunteer. Given the amount of snow expected, it will take a community effort.

Snow accumulates in the suburbs

In the western suburbs, downtown Aurora was already covered with a new layer of snow at 8 p.m. Monday.

There was poor visibility in the Elburn area and there were also accidents on suburban roads.

The Joliet public works department said it was digging its salt heap for the first time this season.

And Dan Crowder, who goes through The Mobile Engine Doctor, said his phone was ringing off the hook. The former Sears technician said he makes a good living making house calls to repair snowblowers.

“I was actually going to open a store before the pandemic unfortunately hit … and I’m glad I didn’t,” Crowder said. “I decided to start a little smaller with the truck first, and it turned out to be very successful.”

AAA reminds people to slow down on the roads and take an emergency road kit, even if you are only heading a short distance.

“What should be included in this kit includes your cell phone charger, jumper cable, extra food and water, extra clothing, mittens, hats, gloves and a blanket,” Molly said. Hart, AAA spokesperson. “We also recommend that you pack a bag of abrasive material, whether it is sand, salt or kitty litter.”

Illinois Tollway planned to deploy its full fleet of 196 snowplows in preparation for the blizzard and warned drivers should expect snow to affect their Monday night and Tuesday morning trips.

Toll officials said drivers should slow down and plan to allow extra travel time for safety reasons. Drivers who find they need help or whose vehicles become disabled should stay in their car with the hazard warning lights on and dial * 999 from their cell phone.

More lake effect snow is expected on Wednesday.