Latest Round Of Snow May Set Record
UPDATED 02/25/11 8:54 a.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A brief snowstorm swooped into the area early Friday, putting Chicago within a fraction of an inch of the snowiest February ever.
The National Weather Service measured 0.4 inch of snow at O'Hare--and with more snow expected tonight, the more than 100-year-old record could fall this weekend.
A total of about 2 to 3 inches fell Friday morning south of Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
CBS 2's Susanna Song reports thunder-snow was seen in south suburban Lynwood early Friday. Several flashes of lightning were spotted between 5:30 and 6 a.m.
The snow Friday morning tapered off to flurries by sunrise. But CBS 2 Meteorologist Megan Glaros reminds us that Chicago is still trapped in an active weather pattern through the weekend, and a new snowstorm is coming in Friday night.
That snowstorm could dump another 2 inches or so.
The greatest amount of snow recorded in the month of February in Chicago was the 27.8 inches in 1896, according to the National Weather Service. This February is now about 0.4 inches behind that.
For now, city crews are out in force trying to keep the roads clear. A total of 174 snow-fighting trucks are patrolling the main roads and Lake Shore Drive.
But the city says it's already over budget for snow removal costs. Some union workers blame unfair distribution of overtime for city crews, who say they cost the city thousands of dollars in extra wages.
The second round of snow will end on Saturday. On Sunday, rain is expected as the high creeps past the freezing mark. Snow is also expected on Monday.
