Chicago, Illinois – Wind gusts up to 45 mph will whip across the Chicago metro through 4 p.m. Friday, creating hazardous travel on I-90, I-94, and Lake Shore Drive during the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a Wind Advisory remains in effect area-wide as strong west winds peak late morning into early afternoon. Gusts may reach 45 mph, especially along exposed north-to-south roads and elevated stretches of I-55 and I-294. High-profile vehicles face the greatest risk of sudden crosswinds.
Travel may be hazardous for trucks and SUVs.
Scattered snow showers and flurries will move through northern Illinois, mainly north of I-80, with minor slushy accumulations possible west of downtown and toward Rockford. While snowfall totals remain light, brief visibility reductions could occur in heavier bursts before noon.
O’Hare and Midway airports may see minor ground delays if visibility drops under passing snow showers combined with strong crosswinds.
Drivers should secure loose outdoor items, reduce speed on open roadways, and use caution on bridges and overpasses where gusts are strongest.
Temperatures will hold in the mid-30s Friday before dropping into the 20s overnight, allowing any wet pavement to refreeze after sunset. Additional light snow showers are possible near Lake Michigan through Sunday, with highs cooling into the upper 20s to low 30s this weekend.
The Wind Advisory remains in effect through late Friday afternoon, with improving conditions expected by early evening as gusts gradually diminish.
