Chicago is facing its first big winter storm of the season. On Wednesday, several inches of snow are expected to fall in the area. Some places could get 3 to 6 inches, especially areas close to the Wisconsin border, which may see over 6 inches of snow.
Weather Advisories
A Winter Weather Advisory is now in place for all of Chicago and nearby counties such as Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Will, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lake, and McHenry in Illinois, plus Lake and Porter in Indiana. This advisory will last from 9 a.m. Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday.
In Wisconsin, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Racine and Kenosha counties from 9 a.m. Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday. Also, some counties in northern Indiana, like DeKalb and eastern St. Joseph, will be under a Winter Storm Watch until 7 a.m. Thursday.
What to Expect
Meteorologist Tracy Butler warns the main snowfall will start between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. The heaviest snow is likely between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Expect difficult driving conditions during the evening commute, with possible freezing drizzle later on.
Staying Safe during the Storm
With more snow and ice, local doctors expect more people will visit emergency rooms due to injuries. Dr. Tom King, from Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital, highlights that many injuries happen when people walk their dogs in snowy weather.
Residents like Dave Hauke are getting ready by checking their snow blowers to ensure they work, as they haven’t been used since November.
The Department of Streets and Sanitation and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management advise everyone to drive safely, avoid overnight parking in restricted areas, clear sidewalks of snow, and use warming centers if needed. The Illinois State Police urge drivers to give way to emergency vehicles, especially if there are road accidents.
What’s Next?
On Wednesday, temperatures will be in the 20s°F (-6 to -1°C), getting colder on Thursday with wind chills between 5°F and -5°F (-15°C to -20°C). Friday will be calm, but we might see more snow on Saturday, so stay tuned!
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