How Much Snow Has Fallen So Far In IL: Winter Storm

ILLINOIS — A winter storm warning has been issued for northern Cook County, a winter weather advisory is in effect from 10:59 a.m. Tuesday to 9 a.m. Wednesday for much of the Chicago area, including parts of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake and northern Will counties. A winter weather advisory is also in effect from 10:59 a.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday for eastern and southern Will County as well as Grundy County.

Northern Cook County could get 4 to 6 inches of snow, the National Weather Service said.

Even more snow could fall in McHenry, Winnebago, DeKalb, Boone and Ogle counties, where a winter storm warning is in effect until 9 a.m. Wednesday. Those areas could get 4 to 9 inches of snow with even higher totals possible in some places, the National Weather Service said.

In the Chicago area, total snowfall of 2 to 6 inches is possible. Snowfall may be heavy at times in the early evening before transitioning to a wintry mix of snow and freezing rain, the weather service said.

The highest snowfall totals are expected from I-88 north. Ice accumulation is expected in some areas.

The afternoon commute was expected to be treacherous, with slippery roads and sharply reduced visibility early to mid-evening Tuesday. The wintry conditions could also affect the Wednesday morning commute.

There's a slight chance of rain and snow between 3 and 5 p.m. Wednesday, and more snow could be coming after 5 p.m. Wednesday. Thursday, New Year's Eve, is expected to be partly sunny during the day with a chance of snow and freezing rain after 1 a.m. into New Year's Day.

The National Weather Service said power outages are possible Tuesday into Wednesday due to the combined effects of wet snow accumulation, some icing and wind gusts of up to 35 mph.

Snowfall so far

Here are snowfall totals as of 7:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service:

• Joliet: 3.7 inches
• Romeoville: 3.2 inches
• Oak Lawn: 3 inches
• Midway Airport: 1.8 inches
• O'Hare: 1.3 inches
• Morton Grove: 2.5 inches
• Montgomery/ Boulder Hill: 3.8 inches
• St. Charles: 2 inches
• Lake In The Hills: 2 inches

Stay safe while shoveling

Snow will likely be heavy, wet and difficult to shovel. Dangers of shoveling heavy show include slips and falls, sprained backs, hypothermia, dehydration and heart attack.

According to the American Heart Association, before you pick up that shovel, you should:

• Avoid eating a heavy meal.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Use a small shovel, as lifting heavy snow can increase blood pressure.
• Learn the dangers of hypothermia and dress in layers.
• Know the signs of a heart attack: Chest discomfort, pain in the arm, neck or jaw; cold sweat; nausea; and shortness of breath. Stop immediately and seek medical help if you notice any of these symptoms.

Also important, if your car becomes snow covered, before you start digging it out, make sure the tail pipe is clear. Remove snow from car exhaust pipe(s) before sitting in the car and letting it warm up. Failure to remove snow can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure there is ample room for air to circulate behind your car to allow any exhaust to dissipate and not build up around your car.

If you must head out on the road, officials recommend having a winter storm survival kit with you. According to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, in addition to any medication you may need if you get stranded, your car should be stocked with:

• Cell phone and charger
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Knife
• High calorie, non-perishable food
• Water
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• A large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
• A smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand (or cat litter) for traction on snow and ice
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope with loops (avoid chains and hooks if at all possible)
• Booster cables
• Water container
• Compass and road maps