Snow covers the roads during the morning commute at Route 21 and Route 137 in Libertyville Thursday morning amid a winter weather advisory in effect for the Chicagoland area. | Photo: Lake County Passage

Dozens of crashes are reported across Lake and McHenry counties as the Chicagoland area is under a winter weather advisory for the first snowfall of the season.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter weather advisory for Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Cook and Will counties.

The advisory went into effect Thursday morning and is set to expire at 1 p.m. Thursday.

Wind-driven snow was reported to be occurring. Total snow accumulations of two to four inches are possible, the NWS said.

Winds will gust as high as 45 mph. The NWS said gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

Snow covers the roads during the morning commute at 9th Street and Lewis Avenue in Winthrop Harbor Thursday morning amid a winter weather advisory in effect for the Chicagoland area. | Photo: Lake County Passage

Motorists should plan for sharply reduced visibility and slippery road conditions, the advisory said.

Police and fire departments across Lake and McHenry counties were responding to dozens of injury and non-injury crashes.

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At least a dozen crashes impacting traffic were occurring simultaneously in Lake County, according to Lake County Passage.

The Lake Zurich Fire Rescue Department urged motorists to drive with caution.

“Slow down and move over for emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Everyone’s safety depends on it! Stay extra cautious, keep a safe distance, and drive carefully through these tough conditions,” the fire department said.

A crash was reported at Route 176 and Fairfield Road in Wauconda as snow covers the roads during the morning commute Thursday morning amid a winter weather advisory in effect for the Chicagoland area. | Photo: Lake County Passage

The McHenry Police Department reported the Pearl Street bridge between River Road and Riverside Drive was briefly shut down due to the weather conditions.

The agency said they had activated the snow plan for non-emergent traffic crashes.

For minor traffic crashes that occur in McHenry without injuries and the vehicles remain driveable, motorists are asked to exchange information on the scene and file a report with the police department at a later time.

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“Snow plows are out and are diligently working on clearing roadways. Drivers are advised to use extreme caution when traveling,” the police department said.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office reported around 9:25 a.m. that South Solon Road was shut down between Ringwood Road and Miller Road near McHenry until further notice.

Sheriff’s deputies reported some roads were a “sheet of ice” in McHenry County.