The commute home could be a bear if the Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service remains unchanged.

Heavy rain now is expected to change to snow late this afternoon, the National Weather Service predicts, and the heaviest amount of snow could begin around 5 p.m. and last until 9 p.m.

Between two and six inches will likely fall, with the majority in the northwest suburbs, including Niles and Morton Grove. Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour will affect visibility and cause near blizzard conditions, the National Weather Service reports.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Edison is expected outages and significant damage in northern Illinois, and Excelon Corp. is prepared with additional crews and equipment to handle expected outages quickly. 

You are advised only to travel if it is an emergency, and to keep food and water and an extra flashlight in your vehicle. For more safety tips, visit www.ready.gov.