A lot less snow fell in the Chicago area than predicted Monday into Tuesday as the city braces for the “second wave” of its first major winter storm of the season and the expectation of a nasty rain-and-snow mix.
The National Weather Service issued a storm advisory that remains in effect until 6 p.m.
On Tuesday afternoon, the precipitation is expected to become all rain, according to the NWS. A rain and snow combination is possible at different points throughout the day as temperatures hover around freezing. After 8 p.m. Tuesday, precipitation is forecast to become all snow again and clear up by Wednesday morning.
Less than an inch of snow was measured at O’Hare International Airport, and 1.2 inches were measured at Midway International Airport further south as of 6 a.m. Tuesday. The snowfall was originally expected to be higher, with anywhere from 2 to 6 inches forecast depending on the meteorologist, and higher totals expected in the north and west suburbs.
The storm’s second wave will occur Tuesday midday to evening. This wave is expected to be less severe for Chicago compared to northern suburbs, where it could bring up to 6 inches of snow, NWS said. Hazardous driving conditions will continue through this wave, the weather service said.
Snow is forecast to return to the area again later in the week, likely coming Wednesday night through Saturday. Chances decrease on Sunday, but it’s still possible the area could see flurries. Temperatures are likely to plummet by the beginning of next week, with forecasts predicting single-digit and negative temps by Sunday night.
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation planned to deploy more than 200 salt spreaders on city streets, according to the Office of Emergency Management and Communications. The agency also recommended drivers leave extra time to get places and keep a safe distance between vehicles on roadways.
NWS meteorologist Scott Baker said heavy snowfall can create slick spots on roads. Residents with the option of working remotely should stay home, he said, and travelers braving the roads should be wary.
“Slow down. Take your time, allow yourself extra time to get to your destination,” Baker said.
The CTA planned to use snowplow trains and switch heaters to keep equipment running, and said buses and trains will be checked to ensure they are properly heated. Extra time for travel was also advised.
“Though we will always do our best to keep service running, there may be some cases where we experience some delays,” the CTA said in a statement Monday. “Winter weather is unpredictable, and the forecast for this week may be especially fierce and challenging.”
Baker advised residents to take it easy when shoveling snow. Temperatures will hover between 32 and 36 degrees. This temperature range means snow will be wetter and heavier, making shoveling more strenuous. Baker advised taking precautions to prevent overexertion while shoveling.
“We’re kind of referring to it as a ‘concrete snow,’ where it’s really going to be heavy and thick based upon the moisture content,” Baker said.
Dr. Charles German, a University of Chicago cardiologist, advised taking precautions to prevent overexertion while shoveling, especially for those with existing heart conditions.
“The key is to just not push yourself too hard, particularly if you’ve been more sedentary recently,” German said. “Take it slow.”
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago said residents should go easy on salt to help protect fish and water quality. The agency said a 12-ounce cup of evenly distributed salt was enough to cover a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares, and that salt should be used after snow has been shoveled.
It recommended using calcium chloride, magnesium chloride or sand as “greener” options that also work at lower temperatures than traditional road salt.
“There is no salt product on the market that is completely harm-free, the best option for residents is to save our fish and go easy on the salt,” the statement said.
Contributing: Mary Norkol, Violet Miller and Kade Heather
