Chicago, IL – Snow will begin impacting roads across northern Illinois late tonight, with accumulating snowfall creating slick and potentially hazardous travel conditions before the Wednesday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, snow will develop between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. from west to east, reaching the Chicago metro closer to midnight and continuing through the early morning hours. Most areas are expected to pick up between 0.5 and 1.5 inches, with the highest totals likely near and west of the Fox River Valley, including DeKalb, Elgin, and Aurora.
Even light snowfall will stick quickly as temperatures drop into the teens and lower 20s overnight, allowing untreated roads to become snow-covered. Key routes including I-90, I-88, and I-55 may see reduced traction, especially on bridges and overpasses. Gusty winds could also cause minor drifting on open east-west roadways.
Drivers should plan for reduced speeds, increased stopping distances, and check Illinois DOT conditions before heading out. The most impactful window runs from midnight through 6 a.m., with lingering slick spots expected into the early commute.
Snow will taper off from west to east between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Wednesday, but travel impacts may persist beyond sunrise as road crews work to clear surfaces.
