CHICAGO — A powerful winter storm is sweeping through the Chicago area this Monday morning, bringing snow and strong winds that are causing significant disruptions on both roads and at airports.
A Blizzard Warning has been issued for Boone, DeKalb, and McHenry counties, remaining in effect until 1 p.m. today.
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Residents in these areas should be prepared for potential whiteout conditions, with snow accumulations ranging from three to five inches and wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph, making travel particularly dangerous.
Meanwhile, a Winter Weather Advisory is active for Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, La Salle, Livingston, and Will counties, also until 1 p.m.
In these counties, snowfall is expected to accumulate between one and four inches, accompanied by strong winds that will likely reduce visibility, according to ABC7 Accuweather Meteorologist Tray Butler.
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Butler notes that the storm is at its most severe during the morning commute. While snow will begin to taper off by mid-morning, strong winds will persist, continuing to blow snow around and further decreasing visibility.
On The roads, the Illinois Tollway said it has deployed its full fleet of 196 plows to clear roads.
“Our crews will be working throughout this storm to keep our roads clear and safe so our customers can safely complete their travels,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Tollway plows are using a brine solution along with road salt to help prevent ice from sticking to the pavement, melt ice more effectively at lower temperatures and better protect the environment by reducing the amount of salt needed during storms. We’re asking our customers to help us protect them by reducing their speed, steering clear of other vehicles and staying alert for changing pavement conditions and weather conditions.”
The weather has also impacted travel at O’Hare and Midway. As of 4:10 a.m., 336 flights have been canceled at O’Hare and 23 at Midway.
The city’s Department of Aviation says it’s monitoring the situation – and encourages travelers to continue checking with their airline for updates.
The roads near O’Hare were covered with snow.
Lisa Connor had her flight canceled overnight.
“When I got to the baggage check the express baggage check, it wouldn’t pull my flight up and then all of a sudden it said it was canceled,” Connor said. “I left the hotel 45 minutes ago, it wasn’t canceled, They canceled as soon as I arrived.”
Those strong storms overnight also caused damage in some area.
In Riverdale and Dolton, trees were knocked down At last check, more than three hundred customers are without power.
The weather is to blame for a partial house collapse on the South Side near 69th Street and South Washtenaw Avenue. City inspectors will figure out the exact cause of the collapse.
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