Overnight snow expected to snarl morning commute

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Chilly Sunday on Montrose Harbor


Margaret Even of Rogers Park walks with her dog, Tilly, at Montrose Harbor on a chilly and sunny Sunday. Up to a half a foot of snow is expected to fall overnight, likely affecting Monday morning commuters.
(Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune / February 3, 2013)















































Staff report




















4:21 a.m. CST, February 4, 2013



















The winter's heaviest snowfall to date has arrived, and commuters face a slow and slippery trip to work this morning.

Snow accumulation in most parts of Chicago will range between two and four inches and taper off by 10 a.m., according to David Beachler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Romeoville.


That's more than enough to create significant driving hazards, and it prompted the city to deploy its full fleet of 284 snowplows overnight.


Snow plows are focusing first on clearing main streets and Lake Shore Drive, according to the city's Department of Streets and Sanitation. After clearing those roads, plow drivers will shift their focus to side streets.





By 4:15 a.m., the Illinois State Police had already responded to about 15 overnight crashes, an increase due to hazardous weather conditions, Master Sgt. Jason LoCoco said.


Many of the crashes occurred on the Dan Ryan and Kennedy expressways, LoCoco said.


Officials are urging drivers to allow extra commuting time, drive slowly and leave plenty of room when passing plows and emergency vehicles.


Check back for more information.

chicagobreaking@tribune.com

Twitter: @ChicagoBreaking






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