UPDATE: Dangerous driving conditions are reported across the Chicago area after a significant overnight snowfall. With more than 3 inches of snow already accumulated in some regions, authorities are warning of perilous travel conditions for the morning commute.
ABC7 meteorologists have issued an AccuWeather Alert for Monday, highlighting the risk for hazardous roads as the snow continues to fall intermittently through the afternoon. Certain areas experienced intense lake-effect snow, with rates reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour.
Several schools across the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana have announced closures and delayed starts due to the inclement weather. Parents are advised to stay updated for any last-minute changes as conditions evolve.
The impact on air travel is severe, with over 400 flights canceled at Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports on Sunday alone. As of 4 a.m. Monday, O’Hare reported 231 cancellations and delays averaging 24 minutes, while Midway faced 130 cancellations with average delays of 15 minutes.
The City of Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation is deploying salt-spreader trucks to combat the hazardous road conditions. Residents are urged to exercise caution while driving and to be aware of the ongoing weather developments.
A series of Winter Storm Warnings are in effect across multiple counties, including:
- Cook and Will counties until 12 p.m. Monday
- Kankakee County until 12 p.m. Monday
- Lake County, Illinois until 9 a.m. Monday
- Lake and Porter counties, Indiana until 6 p.m. Monday
- Starke, Marshall, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Berrien counties until midnight Tuesday
A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect for areas in DuPage and Will counties until noon Monday, as well as for Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana until 6 p.m. Monday.
As conditions continue to develop, officials are closely monitoring the situation and updating the public on any changes. Stay safe and plan ahead if traveling is necessary.
