5 inches of snow possible as winter weather returns

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Updated: January 17, 2012 9:58AM

Up to 5 inches of snow could fall in some parts of the Chicago area Tuesday, as cold winds swoop into the area nudge wind chill temperatures near zero tonight.

North suburban Lake and McHenry counties could see as much as 3 to 5 inches of snow as much colder air turns rain into snow across the region, according to the National Weather Service. In those areas, snow could accumulate in time to affect the morning commute, with travel conditions worsening by mid-day.

Airlines at O’Hare Airport are already anticipating the winter weather will delay flights later this morning, according to the city’s Department of Aviation. Midway Airport is not experiencing delays.

Snow totals will decrease in areas farther south, according to the weather service. The I-88 corridor through Chicago into the western suburbs will see about 1 to 3 inches of snow, while areas south of the Kankakee River will see about an inch of snow.

Winds gusting up to 35 miles per hour in the afternoon could whip up enough blowing and drifting snow to make driving difficult, according to the weather service. Drivers should expect slower travel times, reduced visibility and icy roads.

The wind will also plunge temperatures into the 20s this afternoon before tonight reaches a low of 9 degrees, according to the weather service. Wind chills could feel as low as one degree below zero -- a sharp departure from Monday’s mild warm-up.

It won’t get too much warmer for the rest of the week. Wednesday will see a high of 25 degrees with a low of 19. Thursday will reach just 22 degrees and dip to 19 degrees at night.