Chicago weather forecast: Crews prepare for messy morning commute amid first snowfall of season
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago area saw its first flurries of the season Wednesday night with potential for snow in the forecast on Thursday.
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On Wednesday, there was some early morning light rain before the evening, when some flurries and snow showers left a light dusting of snow.
It was relatively dry around 10 p.m. Wednesday with just a little bit of a sprinkle, but IDOT and other public works crews in the area are preparing for a very early morning. Drivers already got a taste of what may be on the way.
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On Thursday, ABC7 Chicago Meteorologist Tracy Butler said there will be periods of snow in the morning before switching to rain. From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, snow could fall at 1 inch per hour. One to 3 inches of snow are likely on grassy areas.
Roads will get some slush and a coating of snow, possibly affecting travel. Conditions on Thursday will also be very windy.
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This first of two rounds of winter-like weather left its mark in the northwest suburbs Wednesday evening.
In Schaumburg, vehicles were coated with a snow-ice mix that sparked in the moonlight.
Blustery conditions had the snow swirling in north suburban Vernon Hills. There was a similar scene in Lake Forest, in south suburban Orland Park. and in Chicago.
All of it is a prelude to a possibly messy morning on the roads Thursday, though IDOT says it's ready.
"We'll be out overnight tonight through into tomorrow morning and continue depending on what Mother Nature gives us," IDOT spokesperson Maria Castaneda said.
With the first snowfall, IDOT is reminding drivers that wet pavement can, in fact, be ice-covered. Those driving on roads in the morning should be especially careful on bridges, overpasses, and on and off ramps.
"Give yourself extra room between the vehicle in front of you, so you have that time to brake," Castaneda said.
At JC Licht Ace Hardware stores, non-procrastinators were stocking up on rock salt and shovels. And if the snow sticks in the morning, they expect things to get busy.
"Winter's been late arriving the last couple years, so everybody's stocked as you can see behind me, ready to go," said Jeremy Melnick with JC Licht Ace Hardware. "So get in early, because once it goes, it goes real fast, and everybody's got to reload."
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation said it will deploy salt spreaders overnight.
