There was about 1 to 5 inches of snow in the region on Tuesday at 4 p.m., Chicago Tracy Butler, a meteorologist, said. More snow is expected during the morning, and wind causes visibility problems.
Snow with more effect is likely to build up more later Tuesday morning in Lake, Cook and DuPage counties.
The storm is likely to produce 4 to 8 inches of snow, Butler said.
SEE ALSO | Chicago Area School Closings
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 a few times during the storm if snow accumulates.
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until Tuesday afternoon for the provinces of DeKalb, Grundy, Kane, Kendall and LaSalle and until 5pm on Tuesday for the provinces of Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will.
A Lakeshore Flood Advice is from noon Tuesday to noon along the shores of Lake Michigan. There is a small chance of ice and sleet in the areas during the storm.
Urban snow plows, salt spreaders tackle arterial streets
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation prepared their fleet of salt spreaders earlier Monday when they were ready to tackle more than 9,400 miles of salt poles across the city.
“Keep an eye on your driving conditions. I think we all became accustomed to not having as many vehicles on the road,” said Rich Guidice, executive director of Chicago’s emergency management and communications office. “We may have picked up bad driving behavior over the past year, a year and a half, and we want to make sure people realize they have to leave enough distance to the car in front of you, and make sure your fuel tank is full.”
With its thousands of cameras fixed on major roads, OEMC said they would pay specific attention to Lake Shore Drive during the night.
“We have 240 miles of city to watch, but Lake Shore Drive is something we will obviously pay close attention to because of the proximity to the lake,” Guidice said.
On the South Side at Interstate 94 and 111th Street, firefighters assisted a woman whose car was in a ditch. Another car was towed from Lake Shore Drive as accidents became pervasive Monday night through Tuesday morning.
The snow also covered sidewalks across Chicago, and waves crashed along the beaches, making the highway dangerous.
Flight delays at O’Hare Airport were minor early Tuesday, with about 20 cancellations. Midway also had minor delays and 17 cancellations.
Local non-profit organization My Block My Hood My City is calling on volunteers to help kick snow for seniors in their neighborhoods.
“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 Tuesday at 64 and Vernon in the West Woodlawn neighborhood in the city.
“We know that elderly people, you know, some of them have neuropathy in their wrist, they have oxygen and say they can’t get out there and dig themselves,” Cole said. “So our philosophy is: what is something simple you can do that will have a positive effect on your block?”
My Block My Hood My City plans to provide supplies for anyone who wants to volunteer. Given the amount of snow expected, it will require community effort.
Snow piles up in the suburbs
In the western suburbs, downtown Aurora was already covered with a fresh blanket of snow Monday at 8 p.m.
There was poor visibility in the Elburn area, and accidents also had suburban roads.
Joliet’s Department of Public Works said he dug into his salt pile for the first time this season.
And Dan Crowder, who goes to The Mobile Engine Doctor, said his phone rang off the hook. The former Sears technician said he deserves a good sandwich by repairing home calls to repair snowflakes.
“Unfortunately, I’m going to open a store before the pandemic … and I’m glad I did not,” Crowder said. “I decided to start a little smaller with the truck first, and it was very fruitful.”
AAA reminds people to slow down and pack an emergency package, even if you are only a short distance away.
“What should be included in the package includes your cell phone charger, jump cable, extra food and water, extra clothes, gloves, hats, gloves and blanket,” said AAA spokeswoman Molly Hart. “We also recommend that you apply a bag of abrasive material, whether it is sand, salt or cat litter.”
The Illinois Tollway planned to deploy its full fleet of 196 snow plows in anticipation of the blizzard, warning drivers to expect the snow to affect their Monday night and Tuesday morning commutes.
Tollway officials said drivers should slow down and plan to allow extra travel time for safety. Drivers who find themselves in need of assistance or whose vehicles become unfit should stay in their cars with hazard warning lights on and * 999 from their cell phone.
More snow with more effect is expected on Wednesday.
Copyright © 2021 WLS-TV. All rights reserved.