Winter storm moves on with record-setting snow in its wake
The early-season winter storm that pounded the Chicago area had moved on for most of the area by just before noon Sunday, but persisted in Northwest Indiana.
Even after the snow stopped, reduced visibility remained a concern with fresh snowpack and breezy conditions, which could cause blowing snow.
The Winter Storm Warning associated with the snowstorm ended early Sunday morning. A Winter Weather Advisory remained in effect for most of the Chicago area until noon Sunday.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the northern portion of LaPorte County, Indiana, until 6 p.m.
Widespread snowfall totals of 6 to 8 inches were recorded across the area on Saturday. At O'Hare International Airport, snowfall topped out at 8.4 inches on Saturday alone.
This made Saturday the snowiest November day on record in Chicago.
The snow total was still climbing Sunday morning and had reached 8.5 inches by 6 a.m.
The snow arrived late Friday night and became widespread by 7 a.m. on Saturday. The heaviest snow fell on Saturday between noon and 6 p.m., reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour.
The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation have been keeping up with the snow with their fleets of plows since the snowstorm began.
Chicago Streets and Sanitation officials said they have more than 400,000 tons of road salt on hand for the season.
Nevertheless, those who have to be out are advised to allow for extra travel time and to drive slowly on Sunday, as slick travel is still a factor.
Chicago area roads proved treacherous at the height of the snowstorm on Saturday. As seen on video taken in Dundee, Waukegan, and Winnetka, vehicles were seen in ditches — and in one instance, a van with a family inside left the roadway and crashed.
There have not been any reports of serious injuries.
Snow totals as of Sunday morning
Some areas in the Chicago area recorded snow totals up to 11 inches Saturday, including Wheeling. DeMotte follows with 9.2 inches. Evanston and Oak Brook Terrace reported 8-inch totals, while Mount Prospect, Aurora, and McHenry saw 7 inches of snow.
According to the National Weather Service, a total of 11.5 inches of snow fell in Rensselaer, Indiana.
CBS News Chicago will continue to provide updates on snow totals.
Snow continues into Monday
Another disturbance will impact us Monday afternoon through the early overnight. Widespread snow can be expected between 3 p.m. and midnight. Another 1 to 2 inches of snow will be possible from that quick-hitting winter system.
The snow we have will stick around as temperatures remain cold this week, especially so on Wednesday, with a high of 18 degrees and wind chill values below zero in the morning.
Temperatures are forecast to stay below normal (and below freezing) for the next 14 days or more, leading to persistent snowpack.