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Winter Storm Watch, Advisory For Christmas Eve

This Forecast Has Been Updated, Click Here For Latest

By John Dodge

CHICAGO (CBS) -- That dream of a White Christmas may just become a reality for many people in the Chicago area.

A winter storm watch and advisory has been issued for the Chicago area and Nothwest Indiana for Christmas Eve.

The National Weather Service says heavy, wet snow could being falling on Wednesday morning and taper off in the evening.

A total of 3 to 7 inches is possible in some areas, although the exact track of the storm is not yet certain.

A narrow band of heavier snow will lead to the higher accumulations in some areas.

Untreated roads will become snow covered by the middle of the day and heavier periods of snow may cause visibility problems.

Holiday travel is expected to be difficult, with higher travel times on the expressways, along with delays and possible cancellations at the city's two main airports. As of Tuesday evening, two of the city's major carriers, United and American, had not canceled any flights in anticipation of the snow.

"We are monitoring conditions," Chicago Department of Transportation spokeswoman Carson Quinn said. "Our drivers, as well as our full complement of plows and equipment, are ready to be dispatched. We have plenty of salt on hand. We urge the public to give themselves additional time tomorrow wherever they may be travelling."

Westerly winds will gust to around 30 mph.

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