Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across Cook County are facing dangerous road conditions Friday afternoon and evening as intense lake-effect snow continues to hammer areas near Lake Michigan, piling snow rapidly and cutting visibility with little warning.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for central and southern Cook County until midnight Friday night, with snowfall rates reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour at times. Localized totals over 6 inches are expected near the lake before the heaviest snow shifts east into northwestern Indiana late tonight.
Chicago, Oak Lawn, Cicero, Calumet City, Oak Park, and communities stretching south toward Park Forest are seeing the worst impacts, especially along Lake Shore Drive, I-90, I-94, and I-57. IDOT crews continue plowing and treating highways, but rapidly changing conditions are making travel unreliable, particularly during the evening commute.
A brief lull is expected overnight, but snow is not finished. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from early Saturday morning through mid-afternoon as lake-effect bands drift back into northeastern Illinois. Additional localized accumulations over 3 inches are possible, again focused near the lake.
Officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel, allow extra stopping distance, and be prepared for sudden whiteout conditions. Additional advisories may be issued if snow bands intensify or linger into Saturday evening.
