CHICAGO (WLS) -- Drivers could see dangerous conditions on the roads as overnight snowfall blanketed the Chicago area. Some schools in the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana announced school closures and delayed starts because of the weather.

With the first snow storm on the way, schools in the Chicago area and Indiana have started to announce closures or shifts to E-learning on Monday.

Snow rates will cripple travel, including during the Monday morning commute. Strong northerly wind gusts will lead to greatly reduced visibility, especially near the Lake Michigan shoreline. Periods of thundersnow will occur, as well, according to the National Weather Service.

ABC7 meteorologists have issued an AccuWeather Alert for Monday, as the possible snowfall could create dangerous travel conditions during the morning commute.

A powerful lake-effect snowstorm slammed the Chicago area early Monday, closing some schools, snarling travel and canceling hundreds of flights.

Chicago is facing a dangerous lake-effect snow event overnight Sunday into Monday morning. A narrow, but extremely intense band could dump snow at a rate of 3 or more inches per hour - so fast it overwhelms the ability to keep roads clear.

Overnight snow with more lake effect snow falling Monday morning made a mess of the early commute, in an unusually early start for heavy snow for the season in the Chicago area.