Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across the south and southwest Chicago suburbs could feel 45 mph wind gusts before daybreak Friday, creating hazardous travel for the morning commute and lingering into midafternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a Wind Advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST Friday for Southern Cook, Will, Kankakee, Grundy, Kendall, La Salle, Livingston, Ford and Iroquois counties. West winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph, with peak gusts reaching 45 mph.
The strongest winds are expected between sunrise and early afternoon, impacting major corridors including I-55, I-57, I-80 and I-294. In Joliet, Kankakee, Orland Park and Oak Forest, unsecured trash bins and outdoor furniture may be blown into streets. Tree limbs could snap under repeated gusts, leading to isolated power outages.
High-profile vehicles, especially trucks traveling across open stretches near Pontiac, Dwight and Gibson City, may experience sudden crosswinds. Drivers should reduce speed and maintain firm control of the steering wheel.
Winds gradually ease after 4 p.m. Friday, but scattered utility issues could persist into the evening.
