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Chicago Weather Alert: Widespread snow in our area Wednesday

Chicago Weather Alert: Snowfall continues as temps fall 02:56

Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the area starting Tuesday night and lasting through Wednesday evening. 

Two to four inches of snowfall are forecast, but they will be falling during the morning rush -- making for a potentially dangerous situation.

Snow will increase after midnight from south to north, and will be widespread over most of the area by 4 a.m. This is expected to be a wet and heavier snow, so plan on slushy accumulation for your morning commute. 

Stay with the CBS 2 First Alert Weather team for the latest updates.

 

Chicago Weather Alert: Light snow

CBS 2 Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon says the heavy snow is moving on, but you can expect a stray snow shower or two over the next couple of days. 

Chicago Weather Alert: Snow tapers off 02:19
By Albert Ramon
 

Light snow Wednesday night

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Scattered areas of mainly light snow Wednesday evening and overnight. 

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According to CBS 2 Chief Meteorologist Albert Ramon, minimal additional accumulations are expected, with less than an inch for most locations. The Winter Weather Advisory has been cancelled for all of northeastern Ilinois, including Chicago. The advisory remains in effect for counties near the lake in NW Indiana where lake effect snow is expected through the evening.

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The exception is for parts of Northwest Indiana, where several inches of snowfall is possible due to lake effect. 

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La Porte County could measure an additional 4 inches of snow through late Thursday. Lows tonight will be in the low 30s.

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Scattered snow showers remain in the forecast for Thursday, including during the morning commute. Up to an inch of additional accumulation is possible. 

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A few passing light snow showers are expected on Friday with highs just above freezing. Minimal accumulations are expected.

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Scattered snow showers are in the forecast for much of Saturday into the early morning hours of Sunday. A few inches of accumulation is possible over the weekend. 

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Highs will turn colder this weekend in the 20s, then to the upper teens by Monday.

TONIGHT: Scattered snow showers. Light accumulations expected, with the exception of lake effect snow for parts of Northwest Indiana. Low 30°

THURSDAY: Cloudy skies and breezy with scattered areas of light snow. High 32°

FRIDAY: Cloudy skies with a few passing light snow showers. High 34°

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By Albert Ramon
 

Snow totals as of 2 p.m.

Here are snow totals for the Chicago area, as reported to the National Weather Service between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m.

08:08 am CST - 1/25/20232 NW BOLINGBROOK, IL4.5
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023JOLIET, IL4.3
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 ESE LOMBARD, IL4.1
08:35 am CST - 1/25/20232 NNW PLAINFIELD, IL4
09:50 am CST - 1/25/20231 ENE BOULDER HILL, IL4
12:00 am CST - 1/25/2023JOLIET 2 N, IL4
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20233 ENE ROSELAWN, IN4
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023OHARE AIRPORT, IL3.5
08:00 am CST - 1/25/2023BLOOMINGDALE, IL3.5
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 SW DEMOTTE, IN3.5
07:33 am CST - 1/25/2023OSWEGO, IL3.4
11:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 E SCHAUMBURG, IL3.4
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 NNW MORRIS, IL3.4
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023NWS CHICAGO-ROMEOVILLE, IL3.3
07:36 am CST - 1/25/20234 N PLAINFIELD, IL3.2
07:21 am CST - 1/25/20231 E CREST HILL, IL3.2
08:05 am CST - 1/25/20231 WNW PARK RIDGE, IL3.1
09:34 am CST - 1/25/20233 SSE NAPERVILLE, IL3
06:45 am CST - 1/25/20232 S DOWNERS GROVE, IL3
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/20233.0 SW MIDWAY AIRPORT, IL3
08:08 am CST - 1/25/20232 NW BOLINGBROOK, IL4.5
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023JOLIET, IL4.3
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 ESE LOMBARD, IL4.1
08:35 am CST - 1/25/20232 NNW PLAINFIELD, IL4
09:50 am CST - 1/25/20231 ENE BOULDER HILL, IL4
12:00 am CST - 1/25/2023JOLIET 2 N, IL4
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20233 ENE ROSELAWN, IN4
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023OHARE AIRPORT, IL3.5
08:00 am CST - 1/25/2023BLOOMINGDALE, IL3.5
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 SW DEMOTTE, IN3.5
07:33 am CST - 1/25/2023OSWEGO, IL3.4
11:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 E SCHAUMBURG, IL3.4
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 NNW MORRIS, IL3.4
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023NWS CHICAGO-ROMEOVILLE, IL3.3
07:36 am CST - 1/25/20234 N PLAINFIELD, IL3.2
07:21 am CST - 1/25/20231 E CREST HILL, IL3.2
08:05 am CST - 1/25/20231 WNW PARK RIDGE, IL3.1
09:34 am CST - 1/25/20233 SSE NAPERVILLE, IL3
06:45 am CST - 1/25/20232 S DOWNERS GROVE, IL3
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/20233.0 SW MIDWAY AIRPORT, IL3
08:08 am CST - 1/25/20232 NW BOLINGBROOK, IL4.5
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023JOLIET, IL4.3
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 ESE LOMBARD, IL4.1
08:35 am CST - 1/25/20232 NNW PLAINFIELD, IL4
09:50 am CST - 1/25/20231 ENE BOULDER HILL, IL4
12:00 am CST - 1/25/2023JOLIET 2 N, IL4
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20233 ENE ROSELAWN, IN4
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023OHARE AIRPORT, IL3.5
08:00 am CST - 1/25/2023BLOOMINGDALE, IL3.5
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 SW DEMOTTE, IN3.5
07:33 am CST - 1/25/2023OSWEGO, IL3.4
11:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 E SCHAUMBURG, IL3.4
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 NNW MORRIS, IL3.4
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023NWS CHICAGO-ROMEOVILLE, IL3.3
07:36 am CST - 1/25/20234 N PLAINFIELD, IL3.2
07:21 am CST - 1/25/20231 E CREST HILL, IL3.2
08:05 am CST - 1/25/20231 WNW PARK RIDGE, IL3.1
09:34 am CST - 1/25/20233 SSE NAPERVILLE, IL3
06:45 am CST - 1/25/20232 S DOWNERS GROVE, IL3
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/20233.0 SW MIDWAY AIRPORT, IL3
08:08 am CST - 1/25/20232 NW BOLINGBROOK, IL4.5
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023JOLIET, IL4.3
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 ESE LOMBARD, IL4.1
08:35 am CST - 1/25/20232 NNW PLAINFIELD, IL4
09:50 am CST - 1/25/20231 ENE BOULDER HILL, IL4
12:00 am CST - 1/25/2023JOLIET 2 N, IL4
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20233 ENE ROSELAWN, IN4
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023OHARE AIRPORT, IL3.5
08:00 am CST - 1/25/2023BLOOMINGDALE, IL3.5
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 SW DEMOTTE, IN3.5
07:33 am CST - 1/25/2023OSWEGO, IL3.4
11:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 E SCHAUMBURG, IL3.4
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 NNW MORRIS, IL3.4
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023NWS CHICAGO-ROMEOVILLE, IL3.3
07:36 am CST - 1/25/20234 N PLAINFIELD, IL3.2
07:21 am CST - 1/25/20231 E CREST HILL, IL3.2
08:05 am CST - 1/25/20231 WNW PARK RIDGE, IL3.1
09:34 am CST - 1/25/20233 SSE NAPERVILLE, IL3
06:45 am CST - 1/25/20232 S DOWNERS GROVE, IL3
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/20233.0 SW MIDWAY AIRPORT, IL3
08:08 am CST - 1/25/20232 NW BOLINGBROOK, IL4.5
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023JOLIET, IL4.3
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 ESE LOMBARD, IL4.1
08:35 am CST - 1/25/20232 NNW PLAINFIELD, IL4
09:50 am CST - 1/25/20231 ENE BOULDER HILL, IL4
12:00 am CST - 1/25/2023JOLIET 2 N, IL4
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20233 ENE ROSELAWN, IN4
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023OHARE AIRPORT, IL3.5
08:00 am CST - 1/25/2023BLOOMINGDALE, IL3.5
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 SW DEMOTTE, IN3.5
07:33 am CST - 1/25/2023OSWEGO, IL3.4
11:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 E SCHAUMBURG, IL3.4
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 NNW MORRIS, IL3.4
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/2023NWS CHICAGO-ROMEOVILLE, IL3.3
07:36 am CST - 1/25/20234 N PLAINFIELD, IL3.2
07:21 am CST - 1/25/20231 E CREST HILL, IL3.2
08:05 am CST - 1/25/20231 WNW PARK RIDGE, IL3.1
09:34 am CST - 1/25/20233 SSE NAPERVILLE, IL3
06:45 am CST - 1/25/20232 S DOWNERS GROVE, IL3
12:00 pm CST - 1/25/20233.0 SW MIDWAY AIRPORT, IL3
By Todd Feurer
 

Snow decreases later this afternoon

CBS 2 meteorologist Robb Ellis says accumulating snowfall could wrap up around 1:00 Wednesday afternoon, with the possibility of scattered snow showers later on in the evening.

Chicago Weather Alert: Snowfall continues as temps fall 02:56
By Yolanda Perdomo
 

Snow totals as of noon

Here are snow totals for the Chicago area, as reported to the National Weather Service between 6 a.m. and noon  

08:08 am CST - 1/25/20232 NW BOLINGBROOK, ILSnow4.5 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 ESE LOMBARD, ILSnow4.1 INCH
09:50 am CST - 1/25/20231 ENE BOULDER HILL, ILSnow4.0 INCH
08:35 am CST - 1/25/20232 NNW PLAINFIELD, ILSnow4.0 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/2023BLOOMINGDALE, ILSnow3.5 INCH
11:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 E SCHAUMBURG, ILSnow3.4 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 NNW MORRIS, ILSnow3.4 INCH
07:33 am CST - 1/25/2023OSWEGO, ILSnow3.4 INCH
07:36 am CST - 1/25/20234 N PLAINFIELD, ILSnow3.2 INCH
07:21 am CST - 1/25/20231 E CREST HILL, ILSnow3.2 INCH
08:05 am CST - 1/25/20231 WNW PARK RIDGE, ILSnow3.1 INCH
06:45 am CST - 1/25/20232 S DOWNERS GROVE, ILSnow3.0 INCH
07:07 am CST - 1/25/20231 N VALPARAISO, INSnow3.0 INCH
08:01 am CST - 1/25/2023VALPARAISO, INSnow3.0 INCH
08:30 am CST - 1/25/2023LAKES OF THE FOUR SEASO, INSnow3.0 INCH
07:30 am CST - 1/25/2023HOMER GLEN, ILSnow3.0 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20233 N CARBON HILL, ILSnow3.0 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20233 N CARBON HILL, ILSnow3.0 INCH
09:34 am CST - 1/25/20233 SSE NAPERVILLE, ILSnow3.0 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 SSE NEW LENOX, ILSnow3.0 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 SE NEW LENOX, ILSnow3.0 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 WSW MOKENA, ILSnow2.9 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 W MORRIS, ILSnow2.9 INCH
06:00 am CST - 1/25/20234 SW VALPARAISO, INSnow2.8 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20233 NNW CARBON HILL, ILSnow2.8 INCH
07:11 am CST - 1/25/2023LEMONT, ILSnow2.8 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/2023OAK LAWN, ILSnow2.8 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20233 NNW LAKE STATION, INSnow2.8 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20234 SW FRANKFORT, ILSnow2.7 INCH
07:15 am CST - 1/25/20231 W MOKENA, ILSnow2.6 INCH
06:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 WNW BOONE GROVE, INSnow2.5 INCH
07:15 am CST - 1/25/2023CROWN POINT, INSnow2.5 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 WSW GOODENOW, ILSnow2.5 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/2023HOMEWOOD, ILSnow2.5 INCH
06:30 am CST - 1/25/20231 SE LAKEWOOD SHORES, ILSnow2.5 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 SSW HOLIDAY HILLS, ILSnow2.5 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 NNW OAK FOREST, ILSnow2.4 INCH
05:59 am CST - 1/25/2023NWS CHICAGO-ROMEOVILLE, ILSnow2.4 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/2023PEOTONE, ILSnow2.3 INCH
08:30 am CST - 1/25/2023BANNOCKBURN, ILSnow2.3 INCH
05:00 am CST - 1/25/20234 NNE BOONE GROVE, INSnow2.2 INCH
06:00 am CST - 1/25/20233.0 SW MIDWAY AIRPORT, ILSnow2.1 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 NNE CROWN POINT, INSnow2.1 INCH
05:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 N PARK FOREST, ILSnow2.0 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 E EVANSTON, ILSnow2.0 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 N LYNWOOD, ILSnow2.0 INCH
06:00 am CST - 1/25/2023ADDISON, ILSnow2.0 INCH
07:30 am CST - 1/25/20231 NE CROWN POINT, INSnow2.0 INCH
07:30 am CST - 1/25/20232 SE HOBART, INSnow2.0 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20233 S SAUK VILLAGE, ILSnow2.0 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 SSE SAUK VILLAGE, ILSnow2.0 INCH
07:49 am CST - 1/25/2023BRAIDWOOD, ILSnow2.0 INCH
06:00 am CST - 1/25/2023HYDE PARK - CHICAGO, ILSnow2.0 INCH
08:30 am CST - 1/25/20231 NNE MUNDELEIN, ILSnow2.0 INCH
08:55 am CST - 1/25/20231 ENE MCHENRY, ILSnow2.0 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 SSE BARRINGTON HILLS, ILSnow2.0 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 WNW BULL VALLEY, ILSnow2.0 INCH
08:32 am CST - 1/25/20233 W ORLAND HILLS, ILSnow1.8 INCH
06:00 am CST - 1/25/20234 WNW KANEVILLE, ILSnow1.8 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 SW DEKALB, ILSnow1.8 INCH
07:30 am CST - 1/25/20231 E PALATINE, ILSnow1.7 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 NNE PALATINE, ILSnow1.7 INCH
05:59 am CST - 1/25/2023OHARE AIRPORT, ILSnow1.7 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/2023WEST RIDGE - CHICAGO, ILSnow1.7 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/2023MARENGO, ILSnow1.6 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 N BUFFALO GROVE, ILSnow1.6 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 WNW MUNDELEIN, ILSnow1.6 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20233 SSE ST. JOHN, INSnow1.5 INCH
07:04 am CST - 1/25/2023LONG LAKE, ILSnow1.5 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/2023PORTER, INSnow1.5 INCH
07:30 am CST - 1/25/20234 SW WOODSTOCK, ILSnow1.5 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 N DOUGLAS - CHICAGO, ILSnow1.4 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/2023CRYSTAL LAKE, ILSnow1.4 INCH
06:30 am CST - 1/25/20232 E CHESTERTON, INSnow1.3 INCH
08:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 WSW LAKE ZURICH, ILSnow1.3 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20233 NNW HAWTHORN WOODS, ILSnow1.3 INCH
06:00 am CST - 1/25/2023CORTLAND, ILSnow1.3 INCH
05:15 am CST - 1/25/2023OGDEN DUNES, INSnow1.2 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20231 SSW GENOA, ILSnow1.1 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 W HEBRON, ILSnow1.0 INCH
07:30 am CST - 1/25/20231 WNW PARK FOREST, ILSnow1.0 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20234 ESE CHESTERTON, INSnow1.0 INCH
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20232 ENE LAKEWOOD, ILSnow1.0 INCH
By Todd Feurer
 

"Basically, just another day": Commuters continue daily travel as normal

Snow showers causing wet conditions for morning commuters 02:41

Wednesday's snow showers didn't stop commuters from proceeding with their day-to-day travels. 

Whether they were heading to work or school, riders were seen boarding buses and one was even riding their bike - not phased by any of the winter weather.

"If you can not stand the weather, Chicago might not be for you," a commuter said laughing. "But bundle up, get some good gloves."

"Oh yeah, it's fun, it's exciting. I got my bike tires on, mountain bike tires I'm ready," a bicyclist said. 

One commuter said they forgot about winter after all of the mild weather this month.

"I try to get out of the house a little earlier than usual but that's about it," Elizabeth Kerper said. "You know I feel like this January has been so mild basically so far that I was sorta like 'oh yeah, winter it still happens I guess,'"   

If you do have to hit the roads today, it's advised to leave earlier than usual to avoid rushing to your destination. Roads are wet and slippery which can lead to accidents. 

By Jeramie Bizzle
 

Snow totals so far

Here are snow totals for the Chicago area, as reported to the National Weather Service between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.:

08:35 am CST - 1/25/20232 NNW PLAINFIELD, IL4
09:50 am CST - 1/25/20231 ENE BOULDER HILL, IL4
08:00 am CST - 1/25/2023BLOOMINGDALE, IL3.5
07:33 am CST - 1/25/2023OSWEGO, IL3.4
07:21 am CST - 1/25/20231 E CREST HILL, IL3.2
07:36 am CST - 1/25/20234 N PLAINFIELD, IL3.2
07:30 am CST - 1/25/2023HOMER GLEN, IL3
07:00 am CST - 1/25/20233 N CARBON HILL, IL3
06:45 am CST - 1/25/20232 S DOWNERS GROVE, IL3
09:34 am CST - 1/25/20233 SSE NAPERVILLE, IL3
08:01 am CST - 1/25/2023VALPARAISO, IN3
07:11 am CST - 1/25/2023LEMONT, IL2.8
08:00 am CST - 1/25/2023OAK LAWN, IL2.8
07:15 am CST - 1/25/2023CROWN POINT, IN2.5
05:59 am CST - 1/25/2023NWS CHICAGO-ROMEOVILLE, IL2.4
06:00 am CST - 1/25/20233.0 SW MIDWAY AIRPORT, IL2.1
07:49 am CST - 1/25/2023BRAIDWOOD, IL2
06:00 am CST - 1/25/2023ADDISON, IL2
08:32 am CST - 1/25/20233 W ORLAND HILLS, IL1.8
05:59 am CST - 1/25/2023OHARE AIRPORT, IL1.7
07:30 am CST - 1/25/20231 N DOUGLAS - CHICAGO, IL1.4
07:00 am CST - 1/25/2023CRYSTAL LAKE, IL1.4
By Todd Feurer
 

Snow accumulation in suburban Tinley Park

CBS 2's Jackie Kostek was live in Mobile Weather Lab in Tinley Park where streets are covered with snow. Slippery driving conditions are slowing traffic.

Snow accumulation in suburban Tinley Park 01:52
By Jackie Kostek
 

Temperatures above freezing helping plows keep expressways clear of snow and ice

Illinois Department of Transportation public information officer Maria Castaneda said the warmer temperatures have been helping keep the state's expressways clear Wednesday morning, but as temperatures drop tonight, slushy spots, bridges, and overpasses could freeze.

Temperatures above freezing helping plows keep expressways clear of snow and ice 02:45
By CBS Chicago Team
 

Delays at Chicago airports amid snowfall

Snow falling in the Chicago areas causing flight delays at O'Hare and Midway Airports.   

As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, Friday, 290 flights were delayed at O'Hare International Airport. Nearly 70 flights were canceled. 

At Midway International Airport, 12 flights were delayed and 134 flights were canceled.

By Elyssa Kaufman
 

Commuters continuing morning travel routines as snow falls in Chicago

With snow falling around Chicago, commuters say they're not phased by the winter weather and continuing their morning routine. CBS 2's Mugo Odigwe reported from the Jefferson Park Transportation Center where commuters boarded buses.

Commuters continuing routine travel as snow falls across Chicago 03:00
By Jeramie Bizzle
 

Indiana Department of Transportation provides update on road conditions

Cassandra Bajek from Indiana Department of Transportation joined CBS 2's Ryan Baker and Audrina Bigos to provide an update on Indiana road conditions. 

Bajek said the wet pavement early Wednesday morning will take a turn as snow continues and slushy snow covers roadways. So far, snow-realted crashes have not been a major issue. 

Indiana Department of Transportation provides update on road conditions 01:53

In order to prepare the roads, Bajek said Indiana Department of Transportation pretreated roadways.

She expects conditions to be more hazardous towards south and east Indiana, near Indianapolis. 

By Elyssa Kaufman
 

Heavy snowfall in southwest suburban Minooka

Residents in southwest suburban Minooka are waking up to snow covered cars. 

Video shows the snowfall in the area with snow covering streets and cars. 

Heavy snowfall in southwest suburban Minooka 00:16

Check back for updated snow totals. 

By Elyssa Kaufman
 

Mobile Weather Lab: Slick roads on I-57

CBS 2's Jackie Kostek reported live from the CBS 2 Mobile Weather Lab on I-57. 

Mobile Weather Lab: Slicks roads on I-57 01:19

She will be tracking driving conditions throughout the morning. 

She said at points, the roadway was down to two lanes and drivers are taking it slow.

Visibility was low due to falling snow. 

By Jackie Kostek
 

Track Chicago snow plows in your area

City plows and salt trucks have been deployed amid a Winter Weather Advisory Wednesday morning. 

Before you head out for your commute, check the Plow Tracker.

Track Chicago snow plows in your area 00:32

The most significant snowfall for the Chicago area happens between the early morning and mid day, but light snow will continue into the evening.  

You can track the city plows in real time to ensure your drive in clear. 

By Elyssa Kaufman
 

Hazardous driving conditions, low visibility

A warning for Wednesday morning commuters. 

Snow is falling, causing dangerous road conditions. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday. 

CBS 2's Kris Habermehl recommends allowing extra time before heading out on the roads. Snowy streets are slick and visibility is low with falling snow throughout the morning. 

City salt trucks are out, working to clear roadways. 

By Elyssa Kaufman
 

Wednesday snow timeline

2 a.m. to 4 a.m.: Increasing snow from south to north.

4 a.m. to 6 a.m.: Widespread snow, some accumulation on roads.

6 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Widespread snow… Accumulation on roads + morning traffic, may trigger a lot of travel issues.

10 a.m. to Noon: Snow remains persistent in Chicago. Some heavier bursts will be possible thanks to lake enhancement.

Noon to 4 p.m.: Decreasing coverage of snow. Afternoon & evening rush will be much smoother than the morning.

By Adam Harrington
 

What to expect on Wednesday morning

Snow begins increasing after midnight and grows widespread by 4 a.m. Wednesday. Totals are expected to top off at a fairly modest 2 to 4 inches, but it will be falling during the Wednesday morning rush – making for a potentially slippery morning commute.

A Winter Weather Advisory begins at midnight Tuesday night, and continues through midnight Wednesday night. The entire Chicago area is under the advisory, along with much of Illinois to the west and southwest.

Parts of downstate Illinois – including Danville, Champaign, Decatur, Vandalia, and Carbondale – will all be under a Winter Storm Warning beginning at 9 p.m. Snow totals in those areas could top out at 7 inches.

The Winter Storm Warning also stretches from St. Louis through Indianapolis to Detroit.

A Winter Weather Advisory is also issued for a wide swath of the country – from northern Maine southwest all the way to West Texas. A tornado warning was issued in Louisiana west-southwest of New Orleans Tuesday night, and a tornado was also confirmed earlier in Pasadena, Texas east of Houston.

Back in Chicago, the first fingers of snow are expected to move in around 2 a.m. They will be on the light side and may even be mixed with rain at the beginning.

But snow be will widespread over most of the area by 4 a.m. This is expected to be a wet and heavier snow, so plan on slushy accumulation for your morning commute. 

4am-wed.png
CBS

The snow will still be falling everywhere and accumulating at 7 a.m. as the morning rush hour peaks.

8am-wed.png
CBS

The best timeline for accumulating snow is 4 a.m. to noon. After noon, there will still be isolated pockets of snow, and some lake-effect snow will fall late Wednesday on the rim of the lake in Northwest Indiana.

Snow totals could top out at 1 to 3 inches north of Chicago near the Wisconsin state line, 2 to 4 inches for most of the Chicago area and parts west, and 4 to 6 inches for parts of Northwest Indiana – including Valparaiso, LaPorte, and Rensselaer.

Scattered snow shower chances continue Wednesday night and into Thursday morning. Only light accumulations are expected in this timeframe, but slick spots are still possible through Thursday morning.

Little to no accumulation is in the forecast for Friday, with just some lingering snow chances. We'll have another opportunity for measurable snowfall this weekend, especially late Saturday through Sunday morning. A few inches to several inches of accumulation will be possible then.

By Albert Ramon
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