CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Dozens of fights were canceled in Chicago as a winter storm that could dump up to eight inches of snow began to move over the area Monday night.
The system barreled into northern Illinois in the early afternoon and is expected to blanket the area with 5 to 8 inches of snow through Tuesday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
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Freezing temperatures and wind gusts up to 40 mph were also expected, the weather service said.
O’Hare International Airport reported 120 cancellations as of 9:45 p.m. Monday, while 48 were reported at Midway International Airport, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation website. Both airports reported average delays of less than 15 minutes.
About 280 salt spreaders were deployed in response to the storm with a focus on addressing ice and snow along Chicago’s arterial routes and Lake Shore Drive, according to the Department of Streets and Sanitation.
Motorists were advised to drive slowly as the wind gusts and snow could cause limited visibility.
As the storm moves over the area and temperatures dip, warming areas are available at the city’s six community service centers for residents in need of refuge from the cold weather from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, the Department of Family and Support Services said.
A list of of the community service centers can be found here.