Chicago, IL – A fast-building winter storm is poised to bury northern Illinois in heavy, travel-disrupting snow from late Friday night through Saturday night, with the Chicago metro most at risk. Forecasters expect rapid accumulation that could overwhelm plows and snarl travel across interstates, neighborhoods, and airport corridors.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, several inches of wet, heavy snow will develop after midnight Friday and intensify through Saturday. Meteorologists place the chance of more than six inches at over 70 percent for Chicago, Joliet, Elgin, DeKalb, Ottawa, and Waukegan. Snowfall rates may reach an inch per hour at times, cutting visibility and making roads slick even with active plowing.
According to the agency, the steadiest snow will fall from Saturday morning through early Saturday evening. Light rain or drizzle could mix in briefly south of Interstate 80 Saturday night, but most communities will remain in all-snow conditions. Winds will increase during the afternoon, producing areas of blowing and drifting snow, especially on open stretches of I-55, I-57, and I-88.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, crews will pre-treat major routes Friday evening, though rapid accumulation could outpace plowing during the height of the storm. Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, keep fuel tanks above half, and pack winter kits. Residents should clear storm drains, charge devices, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
According to Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management, this will likely be the season’s first widespread heavy snow event. Officials urge residents to stay tuned to weather.gov/chicago for updated totals and potential winter storm warnings.
