CHICAGO (AP) -- Northern Illinois residents are digging out after up to seven inches of snow fell in the area, causing a slow and messy morning commute for drivers braving wet and snow-packed roads.

Plows and salt trucks were at work in anticipation of the major first snow accumulation of the season. But the Illinois Department of Transportation says there are still many reports of spin outs.

The National Weather Service says many areas around Chicago received more than four inches of snow, but accumulation was much higher in the northern and northwest suburbs.

A spokeswoman for O'Hare International Airport says delays are likely throughout the day. About 40 morning flights were canceled.