Bands of steady snowfall that moved across the Chicago area early Tuesday will make for hazardous driving conditions during the morning commute, according to the weather service.
Between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m., moderate-to-heavy snows moved in a southeastern direction, affecting areas including Waukegan, Elgin, Chicago, Joliet, Rockford and Ottawa, the National Weather Service said.
Though the worst snowfall has passed, there are chances for flurries and blowing snow until about 10 a.m., the weather service said. Drivers are advised to prepare for slippery roadways due to slush and poor visibility during their morning travel.
[Evening Update]: Steadier snow moves in tonight. Expect snow or slush-covered roads for the morning commute after a band of locally heavier snowfall moves through. May want to plan on leaving a little extra travel time tomorrow (Tuesday) morning as a result! #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/nczobSQoet
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) December 31, 2019
Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation deployed more than 200 vehicles to respond to the snowfall, according to a statement from the agency.
Salt spreaders are working to keep Lake Shore Drive and the city’s main roads safe and passable before possibly transitioning to residential streets, the department said.
The stormy weather affected air travel as well. Though average delays at both O’Hare and Midway International Airports were under 25 minutes, Midway saw 46 flights canceled by 7 a.m., while O’Hare canceled 24, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation.
The snow is expected to end by the afternoon, and temperatures are expected to reach a high of 31 degrees during the day before dropping to a low of 24 degrees at night, the weather service said.
