Residents across the Chicago area are bracing for a winter weather system that could bring several inches of snow to some locations, and at the very least will make for a messy evening commute for millions of individuals. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for several counties in the region, with snow expected to begin falling during the afternoon hours.
The weather system, which is moving in from the west, is expected to bring between two to four inches of snow to most locations, but some areas could see even higher totals depending on the track of the storm. The snow is expected to start falling in the western suburbs during the early afternoon hours, then will spread eastward across the area.
The Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for several Illinois counties, including Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will. In Indiana, Lake and Porter counties are also under the advisory. The advisory warns of slippery road conditions and reduced visibility, which could impact the evening commute. The heaviest snow is expected to fall during the afternoon and early evening hours, which could lead to slow and dangerous travel conditions.
After this system moves out of the area, another round of wintry weather could be on the way later in the week. The National Weather Service is monitoring another system that could bring more snow to the area on Friday, but it's too early to determine exact totals at this time.
Residents are urged to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and to be prepared for potentially hazardous driving conditions. It's also a good idea to have a winter survival kit in your car, including items like a flashlight, food and water, extra clothing, a first-aid kit, and a shovel.