Chicago braces for a significant winter storm, resulting in the closure of more than 100 schools, colleges, and daycares across the area on Wednesday. The snow is anticipated to intensify around 9 a.m. More than just a flurry, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect, and up to an inch of snow could blanket the city every hour during the peak. Local students switch to e-learning as cities like Buffalo Grove, Lemont, and Oak Park hunker down for the intense conditions.
As per NBC 5's forecast, heavy snow is expected to continue through the afternoon with total accumulations ranging between four to six inches in most of the city. In contrast, the area south of I-80 could see a combination of snow and freezing rain, leading to potential travel disruptions. Government buildings, such as Palatine Township Hall, have also shuttered their doors, whereas the DuPage Children's Museum plans to close early in light of the forecasted weather.
Chicago Public Schools, as noted at 6 a.m. yesterday, remained open despite the incoming storm. However, the National Weather Service warned commuters to prepare for "much longer travel times" as the "heavier, more impactful snow" is expected to result in "quickly deteriorating travel conditions." According to NBC 5, the adverse weather could significantly affect the afternoon and evening commutes.
For a comprehensive list of school closures, locals are turning to resources like WGN-TV's website, which also directs viewers to the WGN Weather Center blog for full forecast details. Should there be additional school closings, WGN provides an option to submit new closures via their platform. Find the full list and more information at WGN-TV.
This week marks the first of two expected snow events in Chicago. Meteorologist Alicia Roman of NBC 5 predicts that after a brief reprieve, the snow will make a comeback tomorrow afternoon, carrying on through the night and into Saturday morning. The second round might add another two to five inches of snow. Chicagoans, already facing this week's deluge will then brace for yet colder temperatures dipping into the 20s and teens following the second storm.
