Strong winds are creating high waves along the Lake Michigan shoreline. (Nikkiwjourney / Pixabay)

As Chicago prepares for its first real winter storm of the season, theNational Weather Serviceis warning that wind might wreak more havoc than snow.

Wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour could cause power outages, and the gales could build waves 8 to 13 feet high on Lake Michigan. Expect hazardous conditions along Chicago’s lakefrontMonday night into Tuesday, according to a Weather Service alert.

People should steer clear of lakefront trails and piers, as tempting as it might be to brave the elements.

In anticipation of several inches of snow, city officials said they’re mobilizing more than 280 snow plows and salt spreaders, and are encouraging people to stay home if possible.

Plows can be trackedin real time online.

Strong, gusty winds out of the east-northeast at 30-40 mph will build waves to 8-13 feet through the overnight hours. This will cause lakeshore flooding across northeast Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana. Avoid trails, piers, and other structures long the lake. pic.twitter.com/8Wl78LI1aD

— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 25, 2021