Chicago is bracing for an onslaught of severe winter weather, as nearly the entire region finds itself gripped by advisories and warnings. The Windy City and its surroundings are locked into a turbulent pattern, with the National Weather Service confirming that today's messy mix of rain and snow is just an overture to a symphony of hazardous conditions set to persist through the week.
Heavy snowfall is pounding areas northwest of I-55, with the National Weather Service issuing a winter storm warning through midnight for several counties. Wind gusts are blasting through at speeds that may reach up to 45 mph tonight, raising the specter of blowing snow and treacherous travel.
According to NBC Chicago, North and West suburbs under the warning could see snow accumulation of 6-9 inches by Tuesday night. With snowfall rates possibly exceeding one inch per hour, it's posed to create a nightmare scenario for morning and evening commuters alike.
This morning, road conditions were already looking slick as surveillance footage showed. Meanwhile, ComEd is steeling itself against the onslaught, announcing its Emergency Operations Center will open to tackle any weather-related disruptions. "The kind of snow forecasted this week can be especially problematic because it can cause branches and entire trees to topple onto our power lines," said COO Dave Perez in a statement obtained by NBC Chicago.
The weather forecast suggests that a deep freeze will follow the snow, with next week's temperatures plummeting into the teens. As conditions worsen, Chicagoans are advised to limit travel and prepare for extended periods of cold and snow, even as harsh winds and lake effect snow add insult to injury for those near Lake Michigan.
Travelers are feeling the pinch as well, with more than 100 flights already canceled at O'Hare and Midway International Airports. As the city buckles down for more snow on Thursday and a significant storm looming on Friday, Chicago's first big snowstorm of the winter shows no signs of relenting.
