UPDATE: Dangerous road conditions are developing across the Chicago area following a significant overnight snowstorm, prompting AccuWeather Alerts and school closures. Drivers are warned to exercise extreme caution as 1 to 2 inches of snow fell per hour in some locations, leading to accumulations of over 3 inches in affected areas.
As of Monday, December 4, 2023, ABC7 meteorologists have issued warnings for potentially hazardous travel conditions during the morning commute. The storm is expected to continue with light snow showers into the afternoon. A Winter Storm Warning is currently in effect for several counties, including Lake County in Illinois until 9 a.m. Monday and portions of Indiana until 6 p.m. Monday, with expected accumulations ranging from 3 to 6 inches.
Flight disruptions are rampant, with over 400 flights canceled at Chicago O’Hare and Midway airports as of 4 a.m. Monday. O’Hare has reported 231 cancellations and average delays of 24 minutes, while Midway is facing 130 cancellations and delays averaging 15 minutes. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
To combat the worsening conditions, the City of Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation has deployed salt-spreader trucks throughout the city. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions while driving, as slick and treacherous roads pose significant risks.
The storm’s impact extends beyond road travel, as the FAA has reduced operations, contributing to frustrations for travelers. The ongoing winter weather is expected to affect many areas, with a Winter Weather Advisory also in effect for several counties, including DuPage and Newton until noon on Monday.
Authorities will continue to monitor conditions closely. Residents should remain updated on weather forecasts and heed warnings from local officials. Stay tuned for further developments as this situation evolves.
