In anticipation of the latest storm dumping 4 to 8 inches of snow on the area, hundreds of flights were canceled Friday morning in and out of Chicago, NBC Chicago reports.
Though no significant delays were reported, airlines at O'Hare International Airport proactively canceled more than 300 flights. At Midway Airport, Southwest Airlines canceled all 70 of its flights scheduled between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Friday.
The Chicago Department of Aviation urged passengers to check airline websites for status updates.
The National Weather Service warned commuters of a "particularly treacherous" Friday afternoon commute.
"Patience is really going to be the name of the game tomorrow," said Beth Mosher of AAA Chicago. "If people can leave work early or work from home to avoid driving during rush hour, they should by all means do it."
Mosher advised drivers to keep their vehicle's gas tank at least half-full and to make sure they're carrying a cell phone and car charger, warm blankets, warm clothes, jumper cables and food and water in case they get stranded.
The storm should end in the evening, leaving between 4 to 8 inches, though some lake-effect snow showers will continue and could add another 1 to perhaps 2 inches in spots along the lakefront and northwest Indiana.
A Winter Storm Warning went into effect at 9 a.m. for most of the metro area. The storm had little impact on the morning rush, but as snow becomes steady and grows stronger throughout the day, a difficult evening commute is expected.