Chicago and its surrounding areas are preparing for challenging weather conditions as a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from Monday until Tuesday morning. After experiencing a cold snap, the region is now facing the possibility of slick roads due to snow and freezing rain.

The advisory covers various counties in Illinois and Indiana. In Illinois, central, northern, and southern Cook; DeKalb; DuPage; Kane; Kendall; LaSalle; northern, eastern, and southern Will; Grundy; and Kankakee counties are under the advisory until 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Lake and McHenry counties are also included, with the advisory extending until noon on Tuesday.

In Indiana, Benton, Jasper, Lake, Newton, and Porter counties are under the advisory until 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, northern and southern La Porte County have the advisory in effect until noon on Tuesday.

According to Tracy Butler, a meteorologist from ABC7 Chicago, light snowfall mixed with some sleet occurred on Monday morning. As a result, untreated surfaces are expected to become slippery. However, the afternoon hours are expected to be relatively quiet.

The most concerning impacts are expected to occur Monday evening and overnight into Tuesday. Freezing rain is likely to spread across the area, presenting further challenges for motorists and pedestrians. The possibility of slippery roads, sidewalks, and driveways increases during this time.

Accompanying the freezing rain are concerns of power outages, particularly in the areas south of Interstate 80. The anticipated weather conditions have prompted Butler to issue an AccuWeather Alert.

To mitigate the effects of the winter weather, the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation has deployed salt spreaders throughout the city. These crews will closely monitor arterial streets, bridges, overpasses, and DuSable Lake Shore Drive to ensure the safety of commuters.

To provide relief, the City of Chicago has activated its warming centers. These centers open when temperatures reach 32 degrees and are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. They offer a refuge for individuals seeking respite from the cold.

As the Chicago area faces the challenges of winter weather, it is crucial for residents to exercise caution and take necessary precautions while traveling. Monitoring updates from local authorities and maintaining awareness of changing road conditions will help ensure the safety of everyone in the region.