Travelers are warned of dangerous road conditions Tuesday as a winter mix of rain, freezing rain and snow is expected to pass through the Chicago area.
A tenth to a quarter inch ice buildup is expected in the afternoon and evening, the National Weather Service said in a winter weather advisory. The precipitation could change to snow during the evening, with a build-up of 1 to 3 inches possible in parts of the northern and northwestern suburbs. Less than an inch of snow was expected at O’Hare International Airport.
The evening commute is expected to be dangerous and slippery, the weather service said. Temperatures will rise in the 1930s, but surfaces will remain cold and freezing, the weather service said. The weather advisory lasts until midnight.
More than 100 schools, daycares and park districts across the Chicago area have closed early or canceled Tuesday night activities due to weather, according to the Emergency Closure Center.
As of 1:30 p.m., 462 flights had been canceled at O’Hare and delays averaged over an hour, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation. Midway International Airport recorded 80 cancellations and delays averaged 38 minutes.
There is a risk of snow on Wednesday and daytime temperatures are expected to stay between 20 and 30 degrees, the weather service said.
1:00 PM Update: Freezing rain / drizzle will affect the area up to the middle of the back, changing to snow north of a line around Dixon-Elgin-Waukegan in the middle of the end of the back. Note: Temperatures will gradually increase above 32 ° I-80 and south to the rear, but cold ground / road temperatures will continue to threaten icing. #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/QmYRrGAItf
– NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 22, 2019
Freezing Drizzle / Freezing Rain is spreading quickly and if it has not yet started in your area it will be within the next few hours or 2. You are already receiving reports of icy roads and accidents. Be extremely careful while driving. Slow down and increase the following distance. Be careful while walking too. #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/41XljXpwtk
– NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 22, 2019