Ready Or Not, Season's First Snow Hitting Chicago Tonight
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Depending on who you ask, Chicagoans are either ready and eager for the first significant snowfall of the season, or looking for a warm escape.
Christkindlmarket, the German-themed holiday market at Daley Plaza, opened Friday morning, and starting Friday night, it will be blanketed in snow, giving the miniature European village a festive winter feel.
Less than a week before Thanksgiving, the first snowstorm of the season is coming. While Chicago isn't expected to get the worst of it, there could be a few inches of flakes on the ground by Saturday morning.
"It brings back the old memories of when your mom and dad used to take you out sledding, you know? It feels really nice," Chris Kim said.
Not everyone is looking forward to the white stuff.
"Pretty rough; just less time to do social things, and be out and about," Kelly Killpack said.
The city has nearly 300 plows are standing ready to begin clearing and salting streets once the snow begins to fall.
"You should be smart and stay off the roads until they're clear. If you have somewhere absolutely you have to be, then leave extra time," said Zach Johnson, who wasn't letting the first snowstorm of the season rattle him.
"It's Chicago. If you're not ready for some weather, then you should probably move," he said.
If you haven't already, it's a good time to get your heavy coats, hats, and mittens out of storage.
John Major might do well to just replace his shorts with long pants, but he said he's going to keep his calves bare.
"I've worn shorts every day for 11 years," he said. "There's something wrong with me."
The good thing about the season's first winter storm is it's falling on a weekend, and won't begin until after the Friday evening rush, so fewer people will be on the roads.
For those who do live in the city, officials said you should remember plows will focus on clearing the main roads first, including Lake Shore Drive, before tackling the side streets. The city has typically waited until snow has stopped falling, and main streets have been cleared, before plowing most side streets.
If you do want to come out to the Christkindlmarket this weekend, but want to avoid driving, remember the Blue Line subway has a stop right across the street, the Red Line is less than a block away, and Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center are in easy walking distance.
