Chicago could see another inch of snow Wednesday night into Thursday morning, capping off the first predicted snowstorm of the week. Another heavy system is expected to develop and move into the area Friday, the National Weather Service predicts.
The track for Friday’s storm is still developing, and temperatures will likely be near or above freezing, limiting accumulation, the weather service said.
Starting Sunday, the coldest air of the season is expected, the weather service said. Wind chills may fall below -20 degrees Fahrenheit early next week.
The city has more than 200 snowplows ready to begin working on residential streets, according to a news release.
The city urged drivers to have a full tank of gas before heading out, yield to emergency vehicles and snowplows when driving and to carry an emergency kit with a cellphone charger, food and water. Drivers should also allow for extra time and leave ample space between cars, according to a news release.
Overnight parking bans are also enforced on more than 100 main streets in the city from 3 to 7 a.m. until April to allow enough space for snow removal.
Due to a strong El Nino, scientists predict that Chicago’s winter will be milder and drier than normal, with Monday’s overnight system the first “significant” storm of the winter.