Chicago, Ill. — Snow overspread the Chicago metropolitan area before dawn Friday, creating hazardous travel along I-90, I-94, I-88, and I-80 during the height of the morning commute.
The National Weather Service in Chicago said a several-hour period of snow moved across northeast Illinois and into extreme northwest Indiana between roughly 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. Snowfall totals generally range from one-half inch to 1½ inches, with brief bursts of heavier snow reducing visibility and quickly coating untreated roads.
The greatest impacts focus on the Chicago metro area, where road conditions deteriorate rapidly during peak travel times. Along I-90 from O’Hare through downtown Chicago, snow-covered lanes slow traffic before sunrise. I-88 near Aurora and Naperville and I-80 near Joliet also see slick pavement as snow intensity varies.
Farther east, snow reaches I-94 near the Illinois-Indiana state line and into northwest Indiana just after sunrise. Drivers traveling through Hammond, Gary, and Valparaiso encounter snow-covered roads as the system shifts southeast.
Officials warned that snow may briefly mix with graupel or snow pellets at times, increasing the risk of sudden loss of traction. Bridges, ramps, and elevated roadways ice over first, especially along I-290, I-355, and key interchange ramps.
Impacted communities include Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, Elgin, Aurora, Joliet, Naperville, Waukegan, and Valparaiso. Visibility drops quickly during heavier bursts, forcing slower speeds and longer braking distances.
The Illinois Department of Transportation urged drivers to check road conditions before leaving, slow down, and allow extra following distance. Even light snow amounts can cause major delays when combined with high traffic volumes.
Snow tapers from northwest to southeast by mid to late morning Friday. Road conditions gradually improve, though residual slick spots linger into the late morning commute before temperatures stabilize and treatment takes effect.
