A major winter storm is on its way to the Chicago area, with forecasters predicting several inches of snow and high winds. Meteorologists have issued Winter Storm Warnings, Watches and Advisories for counties in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
The storm is expected to begin early Friday, with snow continuing into Saturday, before winding down early Sunday. Snow removal companies are preparing for a busy weekend, with crews expected to be working around the clock to clear the roads.
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications is warning of possible blizzard conditions Friday night into early Saturday. The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation has salt spreaders out on city streets, monitoring conditions to ensure roads remain safe and passable for emergency vehicles, public transportation, and other travelers.
ComEd is also preparing for potential power outages during the storm and is urging customers to report any outages right away. The utility company is also reminding people not to pile snow on or near utility equipment, as it could make it harder for crews to fix any issues.
Residents are also bracing for a bitter cold that is expected to follow the snowstorm, with highs forecasted to be in the single digits and wind chills dropping below zero. Many are stocking up on supplies and equipment to prepare for the storm, with snow blowers and cycle oil in high demand.
The Chicago area is prepared for the winter storm, with extra staff on standby for commuters and snow removal companies ready to spring into action to clear the roads. Residents are being urged to take caution and prepare for the potentially hazardous conditions as the storm approaches.