Chicago Weather Forecast Radar: Blizzard brings 1-3 inches of snowfall, strong winds to area

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago area saw its first snow showers overnight, with more snow falling through Thursday.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for parts of the Chicago area.

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The warning came into force at 7 for Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties and will remain in effect until

The Chicago area gets its first snow of the season.

ABC7 Accuweather meteorologist Tracy Butler says the snow is expected to continue until about 2 p.m., when it will begin to change to rain.

See the latest AccuWeather report

Butler said about one to three inches of snow could accumulate on grassy areas and roads could become slippery.

The NWS said snow could fall at rates approaching an inch per hour, and winds will pick up in the afternoon after the bulk of the snowfall.

The Department of Streets and Sanitation deployed salt spreaders overnight and will continue to work through the morning commute, focusing on arterial streets and Lake Shore Drive.

Motorists are advised to use caution when driving and allow extra time to drive and leave space between cars.

At Chicago’s airports, a Ground Stop is issued for all flights arriving at Midway and O’Hare.

Downtown commuters braved the cold as they were hit with the first snow of the season.

Commuter Andrew Luchs said he wasn’t ready for the snow.

“It’s pretty cold,” he said.

“I saw it was going to storm, but not the wind and not the snow,” said commuter Maggie Nance.

Some came prepared…

“I had my hats and my gloves and my woolen trousers and sweaters and everything ready, and I’m toasty.” Dory Reed said.

Others, not so much.

“It’s really cold, yeah,” said commuter Sam King. “I forgot my gloves so it’s on me, but I’ll just have to get used to it now at this time of year.”

The Department of Streets and Sanitation said it deployed salt spreaders overnight to prepare for the winter weather system.

Crews worked throughout the morning to monitor arterial streets, DuSable Lake Shore Drive and bridges and overpasses for drivers.

Commuters going to work took it easy on the slippery pavements and wet sidewalks.

“I’m going slow, but I have good boots with grip, so I think I’ll be safe,” Reed said.

“It’s like, winter is back, you know. I love it,” Luchs said.

The municipality says it will adapt resources as needed.

People are encouraged to give yourself a little extra time to get around.

Before winter officially begins, the lake forest’s marketplace was transformed into a winter wonderland.

“I love it,” said Lake Forest resident Jim Stebbins. “Love the snow. I love the changes. I say bring it on.”

“I’m super excited,” said Emily Gomez, who works in Lake Forest. “I love it. I’m a January baby, so I’m really excited. I think it kind of kicks off the season.”

Snow fell in sheets, coating cars, road construction and left some surprised and caught off guard.

Lake Forest’s Emily Lauridsen bundled up her 2-year-old daughter for the winter weather.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” Lauridsen said. “I went for a walk early this morning and I thought this was like nothing.” BUTTED 8:27-8:31 “We just dropped off our middle child at preschool and I thought this is a little more serious.”

Within minutes, interstates were covered in blowing snow and slush, leading to dangerous conditions on the roadways.

IDOT trucks tried to stay ahead of the cold, wet weather.

“Really kind of surprised,” said Lake Forest resident Lou Milicich. “We’ve been spoiled for the last two months, it’s been phenomenal weather and suddenly the snow is here.”

“It’s like, you know what? Let’s enjoy the snow today,” said Jeannette Acevede, who is visiting from Florida.

Acevede is in town for his daughter’s graduation from Naval Station Great Lakes and said the snow is a welcome surprise, if only for the morning.

“It’s beautiful,” she said. “You don’t get to experience this every day. So for us it’s perfect.”

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