April snow pummels Chicago area

CHICAGO (Fox 32 News) - An April snowstorm pummeled the Chicago area with large snowflakes and strong winds Sunday. State police in District Chicago reported numerous spin outs leaving dozens of vehicles in ditches, especially on I-57 and the Bishop Ford Freeway.  Reduced visibility challenged drivers throughout Chicagoland.

"We thought something was coming, but not this crazy. I wasn't expecting the wind," said Bryon Hasenbank of Homer Glen.

Police say drivers were going too fast for conditions. Those who took it easy got to their destinations safe and sound.

"I think it took us an hour to get in because we were going 40 miles an hour the whole highway and nobody could see anybody around us. It was actually pretty bad," said Alicia Mulac of Will County.

Heavy, wet snow covered trees and took extra effort to shovel. It got down right dangerous at Cermak and Indiana in the South Loop as falling ice and snow pounded the pavement outside a hotel.

"Oh year, a ton of ice just (exploded) all over and I'm glad there was an awning. I would've been crushed," said Kyle Marosz.

A lucky few near McCormick Place had umbrellas to keep chilly show from pelting their face, but whether these April showers bring May flowers remains to be seen.

"April in Chicago? I mean it was like 70 and sunny the other day and now, it's 30 and snowy. So you never know what's coming with this weather around here. But, we still love it. We loved it here," said Johnny Quinn and Alex Zaleski of Lansing.

The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation has had crews out since 4:00 a.m. Salt spreaders are continuing to patrol arterial roadways to keep them safe and passable.