Most of the snow isn’t accumulating, but it is reducing visibility and making travel more dangerous than usual. According to Butler, visibility is being reduced to only one to three miles in some areas.

The lake effect snow is expected to last at least through Tuesday, and temperatures will drop following the storm. The wind chill may drop, as well, making the temperature feel considerably lower than zero.

At least one driver has already fallen victim to the dangerous road conditions. A woman was injured and taken to Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village after her car skidded under crossing gates and onto the tracks of Metra’s Milwaukee District West Line.

The car was struck by an express train and thrown 20 feet until it hit a metal shed. Firefighters were able to remove the woman from the car and she was taken away for care. Her condition is currently unknown, though Itasca Fire Chief James Burke says she was conscious when she was taken away in the ambulance.

The woman was the only person in the car. According to witnesses, she tried to reverse the car to get out of the path of the train, but it was too late.

The accident, which occurred on Walnut Street at about 7 a.m., caused all trains to halt until later in the morning, when they began operating again with substantial delays.

Drivers are advised to use extreme caution in the coming week to avoid similar accidents, especially as roads become more icy. Adult seat belt use remains the most effective way to reduce injuries and save lives in a car crash, and drivers should take turns and stops with care.

Drivers should also dress warmly and carry emergency supplies in their vehicles in case of breakdowns, traffic backups or road closures.