Accumulating snow is expected to spread southeast across the Chicago area Friday as a low pressure system tracks east through northern Wisconsin and it’s associated cold front  eventually moves through northeast Illinois later in the afternoon.

Snowfall will probably break out here between 3 and 4 a.m. early Friday morning with the most intense period of snow most likely occurring during the morning commute. By 6 a.m. an inch could be on the ground and an additional inch or so could fall before the snow begins to taper off mid-morning. With the cold front still well to the west, there could be occasional snow into the afternoon.

Drivers and commuters will have to really start out early to avoid the slippery roads and slowing traffic – just be prepared for a slow-go as you experience what basically is Chicago’s first area-wide accumulating snow of this delayed-developing winter season.

For up to date forecast and radar, log on to http://www.chicagoweathercenter.com/