Snow, Sleet, Rain Make For Sloppy Roads On Tuesday
Updated 03/03/15 - 9:54 a.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain was making for a messy morning commute on Tuesday.
While temperatures will climb above freezing later on Tuesday, the rain will stick around for the afternoon commute.
The snow left a light coating of flakes on the Chicago area overnight, and was being followed by rain that was freezing in some areas, creating some slick spots on the roads.
A winter weather advisory was in effect until noon due to the wintry mix of precipitation, according to the National Weather Service.
The city of Chicago has deployed a full fleet of more than 280 snow plows and salt spreaders, and 26 smaller 4-by-4 snow plows to clear and salt main streets and Lake Shore Drive. City officials said crews would focus on clearing arterial streets throughout the morning rush.
The Illinois Department of Transportation deployed 185 plows to clear snow and spread salt along Chicago area interstates and tollways.
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As many roads were still covered in a snowy, slushy mix on Tuesday, police were advising motorists to drive slower than normal, and leave extra space between their vehicles and those in front of them, especially when driving near snow plows.
Several vehicles have slid off area highways due to the slick conditions.
Trains on the CTA's Green, Pink, Purple, and Yellow lines all were reporting significant delays Tuesday morning, due to mechanical problems or stalled trains. It was not immediately clear if all the delays were weather-related.
While snow was still falling in the northern and far western suburbs Tuesday morning, as temperatures rise throughout the day to a high of about 38 degrees, the snow will switch over to rain.
