Chicago Prepares for Season’s First Major Snow Storm
TL/DR –
A significant winter storm is expected in the Chicago area, with forecasts predicting 2-5 inches of snow accumulation and winds of up to 30 mph. The winter weather advisory starts at 8 p.m. and will last until noon on Tuesday in parts of Chicago and surrounding counties. The city Department of Streets and Sanitation plans to deploy over 200 salt spreaders to ensure road conditions are safe and passable.
Significant Winter Storm Set to Hit Chicago Region
Chicago is bracing for its first significant winter storm due to begin Monday night. Meteorologists forecast 2 to 5 inches of snow accumulation and wind gusts up to 30 mph across central and northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana.
The Winter Weather Advisory comes into effect at 8 p.m. Monday until Tuesday noon within the Chicago metro area, including parts of DuPage, Will, and Lake counties.
Expect Travel Disruptions
Ricky Castro of the National Weather Service predicts the city will see wet snowfall during the advisory, with temperatures lingering around freezing. The snow development could cause notable travel impacts to Tuesday’s commute.
The storm is expected in two rounds, with the first beginning Monday evening and the peak snow accumulation from 1 to 5 a.m. Tuesday. Snow rates may exceed 1 inch per hour, causing slippery roads and longer travel times during morning rush hour.
City Prepares for Snowfall
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation plans to deploy over 200 salt spreaders to ensure roads, bridges, and overpasses are passable. The city advises drivers to be prepared, maintain a full tank of gas, yield to snow plows, and carry an emergency kit. Overnight parking bans are in place on key city streets for snow removal.
Change of Weather Predicted Midweek
By Tuesday midmorning, the snowfall will shift to northwest Illinois, with possible change to rain in the Chicago area. The NWS forecasts minor accumulations from snow showers Wednesday and Thursday nights, with a more significant system expected Friday night.
A mild winter has been predicted for Chicago due to a strong El Nino, with scientists forecasting a milder and drier season. Monday’s storm marks the first noteworthy snowfall this winter.
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