Fri. December 25, 2009
Chicago, IL -
After getting hit with ice and then lots of rain, the Chicago area woke up Christmas Day to yet more rain and the threat of flooding.
And before the day is over, the area may see light snow as temperatures drop below freezing, according to the National Weather Service.
Meanwhile, the morning rains prompted flood warnings and advisories areas near the Fox and Des Plaines Rivers.
Heavier snow is expected Saturday -- with perhaps more than 3 inches accumulating through late Sunday, according to Tribune meteorologist Tom Skilling.
Many Chicago area residents awoke on Christmas Eve to find coatings of ice on side streets, expressway ramps and bridges, and on tree limbs.
But by mid-morning, temperatures had risen above freezing and the ice began melting.
Afternoon temperatures reached the mid-30s, but strong winds brought periods of heavy rain. The combination of continuing rain and melting snow was causing rivers and streams to rise rapidly, bringing the threat of local flooding.
No delays were reported at O'Hare International and Midway airports today, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation.
(Click here for continual updates from WGN-TV's severe weather blog.)
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