Chicago weather: Overnight freezing rain, icy conditions cause spinouts, crashes across area

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Overnight freezing rain and icy conditions caused spinouts and crashes across the area Chicago area on Tuesday.

Rain and freezing rain continued to fall Tuesday morning, causing icy roadways and sidewalks.

Accumulation on trees and power lines was near zero, ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Greg Dutra said.

Roadways in the southern part of the area were likely worse, but anywhere cooler than 34 degrees could have seen freezing rain, Dutra said.

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It was expected to continue in the morning before turning into rain as temperatures rise above freezing. Icy, slick roads were expected during the morning commute.

Freezing rain and rain were likely to also transition over to a period of wet snow early Tuesday morning across the far northern and northwestern sections of the area, especially near the Wisconsin state line. Some accumulations up to a couple inches are possible, ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Cheryl Scott said.

Some vehicles spun out in Monee and Matteson.

Vehicles in the south suburbs were seen spinning out on icy roads Tuesday morning.

As of about 9 a.m. Tuesday, O'Hare had over 150 cancelations, while Midway had only three. Delays at O'Hare were about 40 minutes, while delays at Midway were less than 15 minutes.

A ground stop was issued for flights arriving at O'Hare at 10:10 a.m. due to icy conditions.

Another ground stop was issued just before 6 a.m., and was canceled after 6:30 a.m.

The Kane County Sheriff's Office asked residents not to drive Tuesday morning due to the conditions, especially in rural areas.

"We are experiencing many vehicles that have gone off the roadway overnight, numerous tow companies not responding until conditions improve and plows having to drive backwards just to keep the salt under their tires," a news release from the sheriff's office said.

Police also encouraged anyone who does drive to have a blanket water, food, gas and phone with a good charge and charger in the vehicle and let loved ones know a travel plan.

Conditions are expected to gradually improve Tuesday afternoon as surface and ground temperatures warm.

Salt trucks are out across the area.

University of Illinois is looking like an ice rink as freezing rain falls across the state.

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