A winter storm warning for most of the area will go into effect at 9 a.m. Friday and last until 12 a.m.
"Watch what happens by evening rush hour, which is going to be just a mess...now looking at a five to eight inch snowfall, and before all is said and done it could be a six to 10 affair," said ABC7 meteorologist Mike Caplan.
Commuters braved the bitter cold Thursday night with wind chills dropping below zero. Getting around on foot was a face-numbing, teeth-chattering and nose-running ordeal.
"Freezing. Crossing the bridge is pretty brutal," said Po Wang, who was bundled up.
"It is painful. I can feel the weather, the wind killing my face," said Faye Deng, bicyclist.
The cold is dangerous so the city opened all six of its warming centers, including a 24-hour facility at 10 South Kedzie. Free transportation is available by calling 311.
"You do not have to stay in a cold house. We have resources available," said Joel Mitchell, Chicago Dept. of Family & Support Services.
Thursday began with a dusting of snow, enough to make roads slippery. No one was hurt in a spin-out in East Chicago, Ind.
Like last week's storm, Friday's snow is expected to impact the afternoon rush.
"If alternative transportation is more feasible, obviously we encourage motorists to take that. But also just prepare for this. Make sure that they continue to slow down," said Josh Kauffman, IDOT spokesperson.
But not everyone is fazed by this bitter blast of winter as ABC7 discovered along the frigid lakefront Thursday night.
"It's awesome out here. I love it. It's refreshing. So yeah, I came out for a jog this evening 'cause it seems mild before the snow," said Flora Mseis Seaton, jogger.
Public transportation will run on normal schedules Friday.
