Monday afternoon snow could mess up evening commute

CHICAGO (Fox 32 News and AP) -- The National Weather Service says snowfall in Chicago and other parts of northern Illinois could create hazardous conditions on roads heading into the workweek.

Up to five inches of snow could fall Monday afternoon and into rush hour in the evening. A meteorologist at the weather service, Mark Ratzer, told the Chicago Tribune that Monday evening rush hour in the city "could be a mess."

An advisory from the weather service says drivers should be prepared for slippery roads and reduced visibility from blowing snow.

Temperatures that were in the mid to low 20s during the day Sunday are expected to slip into the teens for much of Monday. Wind chill will make it feel far colder -- as cold as minus 15 in some areas.

In the shadow of Soldier Field Sunday, kids were sledding down a snow-covered hill on the southeast side.

“I’ve got three boys. (I’ve) got to get them out of the house to do something,” said Steve Smock.
                
At the Lakeshore East Dog Park in the loop, enduring the cold is the unfortunate price of companionship. 

"Thank goodness there's this dog park here, so I can at least let him off his leash and stand and try to stay warm, but it gets cold out here,” said Marissa Varco.

But the snow and wind did not come without its issues. In northwest Indiana, state troopers said white out contributed to two accidents, one involving 17 vehicles, and the other involving 13 vehicles.

Chicago crews said they were prepared.

“We're prepared we start talking snow basically year round we prepared for this in June, so while everyone else in on the beach, we're talking snow,” said Cole Stallard, deputy commissioner of the city’s Department of Streets and Sanitation.

Crews from the region, including Chicago, will be out over the next few days making sure the roads stay safe to drive on.