Ice Storm Warning Issued for Chicago Area

So, here we go again. The National Weather Service has issued an ice storm warning, which will be in effect through 9 a.m. Tuesday for the Chicago area. Freezing rain is expected to taper off early this morning with up to 1/2 inch of ice accumulation expected, according to the National Service.

Strong westerly wind gusts will begin to develop Tuesday afternoon and continue overnight. The wind may lead to blowing snow and could also increase the chances of power outages, especially for areas that see more significant ice accumulation, according to weather officials.

Drivers should plan on slippery road conditions during the course of this winter storm and hazardous road conditions during the Tuesday morning commute.

Some area school districts are opening late today. In addition, power outages are being reported throughout the Chicago area, including over 6,900 without power in Cook County.

Here are some helpful websites to be checking over the next day:

• Emergency Closing Center website: You all know the drill by now. You will likely receive a call, text and/or e-mail from your school district if classes are cancelled for Tuesday. But the Emergency Closing Center website also provides updates on local businesses, organizations, daycare and/or libraries that will be closing early or closing for the day.
• National Weather Service - Chicago Facebook
• page and website: For regular updates and more information on weather conditions and forecasts.
• ComEd website: Check the outage map to see where outages are, how many are reporting outages in different towns and when power is expected to be restored. The website also provides helpful information on how to report an outage and updates/alerts when widespread outages are being reported.
• Illinois Division of Transportation website: The website includes information on current road conditions across the state and provides a winter road conditions map that shows which roads are snow- or ice-covered.
• Lake County PASSAGE: Provides real-time updates on crashes, roadways that are closed and more.
• McHenry County Sheriff's Office Facebook page
• Kane County Sheriff's Office Facebook page
• Lake County Sheriff's Office Facebook page
• Cook County Sheriff's Office Facebook page

More via the National Weather Service website

PHOTO VIA SHUTTERSTOCK