Several Cars In Ditches, Slippery Road Conditions Reported In Kane Co.

KANE COUNTY, IL — Some schools in the southern suburbs have opted to close Tuesday due to the winter weather conditions and officials are urging drivers to use caution if traveling this morning.

"As precipitation turns to rain and temps rise to freezing or above, roads are becoming more passable, but it is still a very slow drive and some areas remain icy," Kane County Sheriff Ron Main wrote in an 6 a.m. e-mail. "We encourage everyone that must drive to take it slow, increase stopping times, and maintain a good distance from vehicles traveling ahead of you."

• District 303 Schools Closed Tuesday
• Kane Co. Government Offices Close Tuesday Due To Icy Conditions

Earlier in the morning, conditions were much more hazardous, especially in rural Kane County, Hain said.

"We are experiencing many vehicles that have gone off the roadway overnight, numerous tow companies not responding until conditions improve, and plows having to drive backwards just to keep the salt under their tires," Hain wrote in a 4 a.m. email. "We will continue to keep everyone notified as conditions fluctuate. It is always good to remember to plan well if you have to travel. Have a blanket, water, nonperishable food, plenty of gas in the tank, a cell phone with a good charge along with a charging chord, and let your loved ones know what route you plan."

A winter weather advisory will be in effect through noon today and difficult travel conditions and ice accumulation on roadways are expected, according to the National Weather Service. Freezing rain and slippery roadways Monday morning lead to similar conditions on Kane County roadways, and the sheriff's office reported three collisions.

"We had no crashes involving injuries," Kane County Undersheriff Amy Johnson told Patch in an email response.

As of 5:30 a.m., some schools in the area have opted to close, including District 33 in West Chicago, District 204 in Naperville, and District 200 in Wheaton, according to the Emergency Closing Center website. More closures can be found here.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, many major roadways in the Chicago area were partly covered with ice or snow Tuesday morning. More information on roadway conditions can be found here.