UPDATE: Chicago is grappling with hazardous travel conditions this morning following an overnight snowfall that has blanketed the area. The latest data shows that some regions experienced intense lake-effect snow, accumulating up to 3-6 inches in just a few hours. ABC7 meteorologists have issued an AccuWeather Alert for Monday, December 4, 2023, warning commuters to expect treacherous conditions during the morning rush.
Several school districts across the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana have announced closures and delayed starts due to the inclement weather. As light snow showers are forecast to linger through the afternoon, residents are advised to remain vigilant on the roads.
The impact of the storm is further compounded by a reduction in operations at Chicago airports, resulting in significant disruptions. As of 4 a.m. today, over 400 flights have been canceled across both O’Hare and Midway airports, with delays averaging around 24 minutes at O’Hare and 15 minutes at Midway.
The City of Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation has deployed salt-spreader trucks to address the dangerously slick roads. Officials urge all drivers to take necessary precautions and avoid unnecessary travel if possible.
A series of winter weather alerts are currently in place, including a Winter Storm Warning for Cook and Will counties until noon today, and a Winter Storm Watch for Starke, Marshall, LaPorte, and St. Joseph counties until midnight Tuesday.
Residents in affected areas can expect conditions to remain challenging as snow continues to fall, with reports of 1 to 2 inches per hour in some locations. Local authorities are actively monitoring the situation to ensure public safety.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as the situation develops throughout the day.
