Another Chicago Snowless Streak Is Over
By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 25, 2013 11:00PM
After 335 days we were able to see at least an inch of snowfall hit Chicago Friday. The official total at O'Hare International Airport reached 1.1 inches by 9:30 a.m., which isn't enough to move our Dibs Threat Level past Green or have another snow brawl.
It was enough to cock up the morning rush commute. There was that nine-car pileup we mentioned in this morning's weather post was one of 10 crashes throughout the Chicago area this morning reported to the Illinois State Police. Much as we like to think Chicagoans drive better in the snow than others, safety is a primary precaution in these conditions.
It didn't help matters that there were reports the city's snow plow fleet wasn't on the streets until the snow was almost over. The Mayor's office announced 199 plows were on the streets by 8 a.m., with another 26 smaller four-wheel drive vehicles clearing side streets and cul de sacs.