Snow expected while driving Tuesday morning, weather forecasters say

The first measurable snow of the season is expected to fall in the Chicago area Tuesday morning, making morning commutes dangerous, according to the National Weather Service.

Snowfalls of up to an inch an hour are expected over the city between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., meteorologists said. Areas west of the city should expect earlier snowfall, starting at 4 a.m

Snow showers are expected to continue through Wednesday morning. According to the weather service, two to five centimeters of snow should accumulate. Measurable snow is defined by at least a tenth of an inch on the ground.

The snow is expected to create slushy conditions on roads, bridges and overpasses, the weather service said. Motorists are advised to allow for extra travel time and to slow down.

The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation said salt spreaders would be roaming the city’s streets, monitoring conditions on arterial roads like DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The agency will also monitor city bridges and overpasses.

According to the weather service, temperatures are expected to drop in the coming days. Tuesday and Wednesday the maximum temperature should be between 34 and 38 degrees.

However, temperatures are expected to rise to just 32 degrees on Thursday, and Friday should be even colder, with daily highs in the mid-20s.