Chicago, Illinois – A burst of accumulating snow could create hazardous travel conditions across northern Illinois between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. Friday, affecting major roadways during the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, a fast-moving clipper system is expected to bring a narrow band of snow late tonight into early Friday morning. Some areas may see up to 1 to 2 inches of accumulation, with the highest totals favored in parts of northeastern Illinois, including the Chicago metro area.
The snow is expected to fall quickly, with the highest snowfall rates between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., potentially reaching up to 1 inch per hour in localized areas. This timing overlaps with early commute hours and may result in snow-covered roads, slick travel, and brief reductions in visibility.
Major travel corridors that could be impacted include Interstates 90, 94, 80, 88, and 55, particularly in and around Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Elgin, and nearby suburbs. The southwest edge of the system, including parts of central Illinois, could also see a wintry mix or light icing, especially on untreated surfaces.
The National Weather Service notes that confidence is higher in the corridor of accumulating snow shown in darker blue on forecast graphics, while areas near the pink dashed boundary may experience mixed precipitation.
Drivers are urged to check road conditions before traveling Friday morning and allow extra time, especially on bridges, ramps, and less-traveled roads. Even brief snow bursts can quickly overwhelm road treatment efforts.
The system is expected to move out of the area by mid-morning Friday, with improving travel conditions later in the day.
