Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across the Chicago metro need to prepare for slick roads and reduced visibility within the next 24 hours as gusty winds and incoming snow create hazardous travel, especially along Lake Shore Drive and major interstates heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, peak wind gusts Friday reached 52 mph at DuPage Airport and Valparaiso Airport, with 51 mph recorded at Chicago Midway and Gary. Gusts near 45 mph were observed at O’Hare and along the lakeshore. Those winds will ease slightly overnight, but forecasters warn a coating of snow could develop late Saturday night into early Sunday morning, leading to slippery stretches on I-90, I-94 and I-55 before sunrise Sunday.
The agency also highlights a prolonged period of lake effect snow Sunday into Monday, primarily impacting northwest Indiana, including Porter County. Snow showers may repeatedly cross I-80 and I-94 near the Indiana state line, producing localized accumulations and bursts of low visibility. While widespread heavy totals are not expected in Chicago itself, brief snow bands could still create sudden slowdowns on I-290 and I-294.
High temperatures will hover in the lower 30s Saturday and Sunday, allowing untreated pavement to refreeze quickly after sunset. Overnight lows in the teens and 20s will support icy patches on bridges and overpasses.
Motorists should allow extra travel time Sunday morning, reduce speed during snow showers and keep headlights on during periods of blowing snow. Additional advisories may be issued if lake effect bands intensify into Monday.
