Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across the Chicago metro area should prepare for rapidly changing road conditions Friday as snow develops in two distinct phases, including a possible burst of intense lake-effect snow late in the day.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from Friday morning through midafternoon for much of Cook County, Lake County, and DuPage County. Snow is expected to develop mid to late Friday morning, with a quick 1 to 3 inches possible in just a few hours. Snowfall rates may briefly reach an inch per hour, creating slick and snow-covered roads during the late morning and early afternoon commute.
By Friday afternoon and evening, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for central and southern Cook County as forecasters monitor the potential for a narrow but intense lake-effect snow band to shift inland from Lake Michigan. If this band moves west, areas east of the Dan Ryan Expressway and I-57 could see snowfall rates over 2 inches per hour and localized totals exceeding 6 inches in a short time. Confidence remains lower on how far inland the band will reach, but impacts could be severe where it sets up.
Communities including Chicago, Oak Lawn, Cicero, Evanston, Schaumburg, Waukegan, and Naperville are expected to see deteriorating conditions at times. Roads may shift from passable to hazardous within minutes, especially near the lakefront.
Motorists are urged to allow extra travel time, slow down, and stay alert for rapidly changing visibility. Additional updates or warnings may be issued as conditions evolve later Friday.
