Winter Storm Warning: Heavy Snow Until Midnight

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for today from 9 a.m. to midnight. Snow is expected to start mid to late morning and continue until tonight.

Hazards expected

• Snow may fall at a rate of an inch an hour at certain times today. This will reduce visibility, and the NWS recommends drivers not travel unless necessary.

• The heaviest snowfall is expected to occur this afternoon, and the snow accumulation is expected to increase travel times, making for a "treacherous commute."

• Temps in the teens are expected to make salt on the roads less effective, and the amount of snow is expected to make it difficult for road crews to keep the roads clear of snow and ice.

• The NWS is telling drivers who must travel to keep a flashlight, food and water in the car. The Illinois Tollway, which is mobilizing nearly 200 crews to prepare for the storm, is telling drivers to keep away from snowplows and increase the interval between you and the car in front of you.