I-90 and I-94 are expected to see hazardous travel conditions Friday night as lake-effect snow bands intensify near Lake Michigan.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago office, a prolonged period of lake-effect snow is increasingly likely to impact parts of northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana from early Friday morning through Saturday night. Forecasters say snow rates could occasionally reach 1 inch per hour, creating rapidly deteriorating road conditions along major corridors including I-90, I-94, I-80, and I-57.
Temperatures are expected to remain in the single digits to teens, limiting the effectiveness of road treatments. The snow is forecast to be fluffy but slippery, increasing the risk of spin-outs and travel delays, particularly during overnight and early morning hours.
The most favored areas for significant travel impacts currently include locations near and east of Chicago, extending into Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties in Indiana, with communities such as Gary, Valparaiso, and Rensselaer potentially affected. However, the Weather Service emphasized that lake-effect snow bands can shift, meaning conditions may vary significantly over short distances.
Forecasters also note the possibility of snow showers or brief snow squalls developing farther inland on Friday, which could lead to sudden visibility drops even outside the primary snow band.
Drivers are urged to monitor updated forecasts, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, especially on elevated roadways and near the lake. For commuters, the timing may overlap with early morning and late-night travel periods.
The Weather Service says confidence is increasing that impactful snow will occur, but exact placement and totals remain uncertain. Additional updates are expected as the event approaches.
