The National Weather Service is advising to keep those shovels out, as the snowfall blanketing Lake and McHenry counties may not be finished yet.
Snowfall totals have already eclipsed between 5 inches and 7 inches in parts of Lake and McHenry counties as of 5:30 p.m., according to snowfall totals released by the National Weather Service on its website.
Three inches of snow were recorded at O’Hare International Airport at noon Saturday, while McHenry and Woodstock reported 7 inches of snow, Wadsworth and Antioch reported 6 inches of snow, and Lake Bluff, Wauconda and Libertyville picked up five inches since snow began falling early Saturday morning.
Because of the storm, more than 1,100 flights have been cancelled at O’Hare and the average delay is 64 minutes, flychicago.com reported at 5:15 p.m.
Snowfall totals are expected to increase before the snow begins to slow down at around Saturday or early Sunday morning.
“Snow will result in reduced visibility under 1 mile, and snow-covered roads will make travel hazardous,” officials said. “If you have to be out, allow for extra travel time and don’t crowd the plows!”
Multiple weather-related crashes were reported throughout the region Saturday, including crashes in Cary, Fox Lake, Gurnee, Wauconda, Lakemoor and on I-94 in Waukegan and in Lincolnshire. The results of those crashes are unknown.
Weather service officials said the winter storm warning remains in effect through 6 a.m. Sunday morning.
The storm is expected to bring widespread accumulating snow and impact travel to the region through Saturday night, officials said.
Lingering snow showers and lake effect snow could continue, however, increasing snow accumulation totals through the overnight hours.
Officials said up to 1 inch of snow per hour can accumulate between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, with wind gusts of 30 mph affecting the area.
The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are continuing to warn people to stay off the roadway until the winter storm passes.
IDOT also warns the storm will have major impacts for travellers heading out at the end of the Thanksgiving travel period.
The public should plan accordingly for deteriorating conditions, with heavy snow, reduced visibility, and slick, slippery conditions resulting in much longer travel times, officials said.
“While we are prepared and ready to devote all of our resources to the latest winter weather event, this weekend’s storm will hit when millions of people are returning home from the holiday,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “Please make a plan to keep you and your loved ones safe, including adjusting travel so you are not on the roads when conditions are at their worst.”
Statewide, IDOT has nearly 1,900 trucks and equipment available to spread salt, plow and respond to weather emergencies as needed across more than 45,000 lane miles.
People remain urged to keep an eye on the forecast before leaving, and ensure someone is aware of your route and schedule.
Motorists who do have to drive are asked to fill up their gas tank or fully charge their vehicle, pack winter weather essentials such as a cellphone charger, traction materials, warm clothes, blankets, food, bottled water, and give other motorists and snow plows working distance.
People involved in a crash are asked to remain inside their vehicle, as exiting a vehicle during inclement weather with reduced visibility can have fatal consequences.