Editor's Note: The latest weather update for Tuesday, Jan. 9 can be found here. Our original story continues below.
Weather alerts have been issued across the Chicago area as the region braces for its first snowstorm of the winter season and year so far, with several inches possible in some locations, though how much you see could depend on a number of factors.
The upcoming storm is the first of multiple chances for snow this week.
Here's a look at what to expect, where and when:
Weather alerts in the Chicago area
A winter storm watch was upgraded to a winter storm warning for some counties while the rest of the Chicago area is under a winter weather advisory.
In areas under a warning, accumulations could be higher than 10 inches, with "heavy snow possible" and wind gusts as high as 35 mph. Snowfall rates in excess of 1 inch an hour are possible, the alert states.
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"Travel will be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact both the Tuesday morning and Tuesday evening commute," the alert warns.
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In addition, a winter weather advisory is in place across the rest of the Chicago area, beginning as early as Monday evening.
Here's a look at alerts for various counties:
DeKalb, McHenry, Lake (IL), Kane and LaSalle counties: Winter storm warning from 8 p.m. Monday to 12 a.m. Wednesday.
DuPage and Northern Cook counties: Winter weather advisory from 8 p.m. Monday to 12 a.m. Wednesday
Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Central and Southern Cook and Will counties in Illinois and Lake and Porter counties in Indiana: Winter weather advisory from 8 p.m. Monday to 12 p.m. Tuesday
Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana: Winter weather advisory from 8 p.m. CT Monday to 9 a.m. CT Tuesday
Kenosha County in Wisconsin: Winter weather advisory in effect from 9 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday. A winter storm warning then begins at 6 a.m. Tuesday and continues through 3 a.m. Wednesday
Snow Timing
Snow is expected to develop Monday and throughout the overnight hours, when it will become more widespread, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.
By 7 a.m. Tuesday, some areas will have likely recorded between 1 and 2 inches of snow, Meteorologist Alicia Roman said.
The impact on the morning commute remains dependent on overnight snowfall.
While some areas could see higher totals, the National Weather Service warns of snowfall rates between 1 and 2 inches per hour at times.
"Rates may ease by daybreak, but expect overnight heavy, wet snow to significantly impact AM commute," the NWS tweeted. "Plan for much longer commute times. Consider postponing travel if you have flexibility."
More snow will continue throughout the day, particualrly in northwest Illinois, where snow is not expected to transition to rain.
Through the mid-morning hours, snow is expected to transition to rain to the south and southwest, where overall snowfall totals are expected to be lower.
MORE: Chicago residents warned against using excess salt amid snowfall
However, heavier, wet snow is expected to continue falling to the north and west, with the highest snowfall totals expected in McHenry and DeKalb counties.
How much will it snow?
Northern and western suburbs are expected to see higher totals when it comes to the first system this week.
According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, much of the area through Wednesday morning is expected to see between 2 and 5 inches of snow, with lower amounts far south and southeast, and higher amounts north.
In some areas under a winter storm warning, including DeKalb and McHenry counties, up to 11 inches of snow is possible. Others unde the warning could see between 5 and 8 inches of snow.
Meanwhile, those under the advisory are forecast to see between 1 and 3 inches.
The wind cranks up Tuesday night, and areas to the south that transitioned to rain could switch back to snow. West or northwest gusts may be over 30 miles per hour at times through the night.
More snow possible after Tuesday storm
The snow exits early Wednesday with lows just below freezing in the upper 20s. Untreated surfaces could refreeze as temperatures fall.
Although the first system moves out Wednesday morning, a second system is expected to arrive towards the end of the week, the NBC 5 Storm Team says, with more snow and cold temperatures on the way.
Another round of light snow is possible late Wednesday through Thursday morning, which could impact commuters once again.
A third system could bring accumulating snow Friday into Saturday, though details are still unfolding.
An arctic blast is expected to bring the coldest temperatures of the season so far beginning this weekend and continuing through early next week, Roman said.
