The start of 2014 seems like it will be a snowy one for the Chicago area.

The WGN Weather Center is predicting up to 6″ of snow by Thursday evening. Less than an inch of snow is expected Monday night, and as much as 5″ of snow could fall between Tuesday and Thursday.

City and county officials are also warning Chicago residents to stay out of the cold to minimize any risk of injury.

Single digit temperatures and below are expected through New Year’s Day with wind gusts of up to 35 mph.

Dr. Lauren Smith of Cook County Health System Emergency Department suggests:

• Covering all exposed skin when traveling outside
• Keeping an emergency car kit handy, stocked with cables and blankets
• Checking carbon monoxide detectors to prevent leaks from a faulty heater

For more information check out: http://wgntv.com/2013/12/30/snowy-start-to-2014-in-store-for-chicago-area/