Expect Morning Snowfall

From Friday morning through next Wednesday, Jan. 25, snow will be accumulating. Several inches could build up in and , although the northern Illinois border near Wisconsin is expected to be hit the hardest.

"The likelihood of significant snowfall across a portion of the area is becoming more apparent," the National Weather Service said in a hazardous weather advisory.

The temperature Friday should increase to around the 20s, but sub-zero wind chills will linger, with wind gusts as high as 20 mph by Friday night, according to reports.

LIVE MAP: Check the traffic situation before you begin your commute

Tonight will be cold, with temperatures expected to be as low as 3 degrees and wind chill values as low as -4 degrees, NWS says.

Before your commutes Thursday and Friday, check Patch's live traffic map to see where the delays are.

For updates of any possible delays, closings or cancellations, keep visiting the Homewood-Flossmoor Patch home page throughout the day. And leave your own tips and information about dangerous road conditions or accidents in the area by posting on our Facebook page.

AAA winter driving tips:

• Avoid driving while you're fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

AAA tips for driving in the snow:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning -- nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to 10 seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don't stop if you can avoid it. There's a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
• Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don't have to go out, don't. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don't tempt fate: If you don't have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

Illinois Tollway tips

• Clear snow and ice from all windows, mirrors and lights before you drive.
• Adjust speed to road conditions and traffic.
• Reduce speed on ramps and in cash lanes at toll plazas.
• Increase the interval between your vehicle and the one in front of you. 
• Avoid unnecessary lane changes.
• Keep away from snowplows.
• Do not use the shoulder of the road to pass a snowplow.

-Some information contributed by Frankfort Patch Editor Joe Vince and Oak Lawn Patch Editor Lorraine Swanson