Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across northern Illinois should prepare for slick highways and reduced visibility by Thursday evening as several inches of accumulating snow move into the region, potentially disrupting travel on major corridors including I-90, I-94 and I-55.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, accumulating snow is possible Thursday with temperatures hovering between 35 and 38 degrees during the day before dropping into the 20s overnight. Forecasters indicate that several inches of snow could fall across the Chicago metro area, with the highest totals likely north and west of downtown. Officials warn that bursts of heavier snowfall could quickly reduce visibility and coat roadways during the evening commute.
Statewide, Illinois will see quieter conditions through midweek, but the system arriving Thursday has the potential to create widespread travel slowdowns. In Chicago, roads such as Lake Shore Drive, I-290, I-294 and I-80 could become snow covered as pavement temperatures fall after sunset. Bridges and overpasses are expected to freeze first.
The Illinois Department of Transportation may deploy plows and salt trucks as snowfall rates increase. Motorists should allow extra travel time, reduce speeds and keep at least one car length of distance per 10 mph of speed. Charging mobile devices and keeping emergency kits in vehicles is advised in case traffic stalls.
Snow chances may linger into early Friday before tapering off. Additional advisories or winter weather alerts could be issued as confidence in snowfall totals increases. Drivers should monitor updates through Thursday afternoon as timing and totals become clearer.
