UPDATE: Overnight snowfall has created dangeous travel conditions across the Chicago area, prompting school closures and delays this morning. ABC7 meteorologists issued an AccuWeather Alert for Monday, highlighting the potential for perilous driving during the morning commute.
Reports confirm that lake-effect snow has pummeled the region, with some areas accumulating between 1 to 2 inches per hour, and totals exceeding 3 inches in certain locations. Light snow showers are expected to persist into Monday afternoon, further complicating travel.
Due to the severe weather, numerous schools in both the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana have announced cancellations and delayed starts. As of 4 a.m. Monday, the FAA has noted significant disruptions at major airports, with over 400 flights canceled on Sunday alone. At O’Hare, there are 231 cancellations with average delays of 24 minutes, while Midway reports 130 cancellations and delays averaging 15 minutes.
To combat the hazardous road conditions, the City of Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation is deploying salt-spreader trucks across the region. Authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution while driving.
A Winter Storm Warning is currently in effect for multiple counties, including Starke, Marshall, LaPorte, St. Joseph, and Berrien in Indiana until midnight Tuesday. Additional warnings are active until noon Monday for Cook and Will counties in Illinois, with Lake County under a warning until 9 a.m. Monday. Residents in affected areas should remain vigilant and stay updated on changing weather conditions.
As this storm develops, it’s crucial for travelers to stay informed about flight statuses and road conditions. The ongoing impacts of this winter weather are a stark reminder of the challenges faced during this season.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as we monitor the situation closely.
