I guess close to 9.6" means within a few inches. If were sitting at 11.2" at end of the month I wont feel the prediction was wrong. If were sitting at 17-20" then yes.
Average snowfall for ORD at the end of December is 9.6" Thats probably close to where you will be by the end of the month for a seasonal total. Especially since 1st half of the month looks to be a shut out.