Kankakee, IL – A narrow but intense band of snow is creating locally hazardous travel conditions across portions of north-central Illinois early Tuesday, impacting several major interstates before daybreak.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, the snow band is sliding through La Salle, Grundy, southern Will, and Kankakee counties, producing rapid accumulation and sharply reduced visibility along Interstates 39, 80, 55, and 57. The heaviest snow is concentrated in a corridor only 5 to 10 miles wide, but impacts within that zone are significant.
Snowfall rates may reach up to one inch per hour, with visibility dropping below one-quarter mile at times. Total accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected within the band, with localized totals up to 4 inches possible where the snow persists longest. Roads beneath the band may quickly become snow-covered and slick, while nearby areas may see minimal impact.
The band is tracking roughly from Troy Grove through Ottawa, Seneca, Coal City, Kankakee, and Hopkins Park, affecting early-morning commuters and overnight drivers. Snow is expected to continue for several hours before tapering off toward daybreak Tuesday.
Motorists traveling across affected interstates are urged to prepare for rapidly changing conditions, including sudden whiteouts and abrupt transitions from wet pavement to snow-covered lanes. Slower speeds and increased following distance are advised.
This narrow snow band is not expected to stall, but its intensity means even short travel periods could be hazardous, particularly for early-morning workers, commercial drivers, and students commuting before sunrise.
