Get ready, Chicago! The National Weather Service has issued a weather advisory for the Chicago area from Monday to Tuesday. They’re warning us about a wintry mix that could cause slippery road conditions, so we need to be prepared.
The advisory will be in effect from 9 a.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday. The first round of precipitation will start as a combination of light snow flurries and sleet after daybreak Monday, according to the city of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications.
Things will then escalate to freezing drizzle in the afternoon, and Monday evening and overnight we can expect a period of freezing rain. This means we’ll likely have ice on streets and sidewalks, creating some dangerous conditions. We’ll need to take it slow and be extra cautious during our evening commute.
The Office of Emergency Management is estimating total snow accumulations of up to 1 inch and ice accumulations around one-tenth of an inch. That’s definitely something to be careful of.
City officials are urging drivers to slow down, allow extra time to reach their destinations, and use caution while traveling. Keeping a safe distance between cars and yielding to emergency vehicles, salt spreaders, and plows is crucial. And don’t forget to have a full tank of gas and an emergency kit in your car with a cellphone charger, flashlight, food, and water.
There’s more bad news – chances of rain will persist through the middle of the week as temperatures rise. Let’s all stay safe out there!
adperez@chicagotribune.com