Tuesday snowstorm warning: Up to 10 inches predicted in Chicago area

A snowstorm could drop up to 10 inches of snow on the Chicago area Tuesday, in time to make the afternoon commute a “traffic nightmare,” according to forecasters. Seven to 10 inches of snow are predicted to pile up across a broad swath of the Chicago region, stretching from southern McHenry County in the north to Kankakee County in the south, National Weather Service Meteorologist Jamie Enderlen said.

The first flakes will reach the city about dawn, and the light snow will not intensify until about 10 or 11 a.m., largely missing the morning rush, Enderlen said.

Areas closer to Lake Michigan could see higher snow totals because winds off the lake could create lake-effect snow.

Wind gusts up to 30 mph will cause blowing and drifting snow, bringing visibility down to a quarter-mile or less on roadways.

The weather service is predicting travel at O’Hare and Midway airports will be “significantly affected.”

Tuesday’s snowstorm has the potential to be the largest of the season, and one of the largest in March since 2002 or 2003, according to the weather service.

The most snow we’ve seen so far this winter was 5.4 inches measured at O’Hare International Airport on Feb. 26-27, the weather service said. That storm blanketed north suburban Antioch with 12.1 inches of snow.

The weather service has issued a winter storm warning for all Chicago area counties starting at midnight, and advises people who must drive to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in the vehicle in case of an emergency.

Illinois State Police are urging drivers to leave early, slow down and leave plenty of following room, officials said in a travel advisory issued Monday night.

Authorities also are encouraging motorists involved in non-injury crashes during extreme weather conditions to exchange information and file crash reports at their nearest State Police district within 10 days.

When the snow stops and it’s time to start shoveling, the DuPage County Health Department has these safety tips: warm up your muscles; pace yourself; use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength; push the snow instead of lifting it if possible, and don’t throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side.

For those yearning for spring, warmer weather is not too far off, according to the weather service. The temperature is expected to reach 41 degrees Friday and 44 degrees Saturday, suntimes.com reports.