Chicago, IL – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago is advising drivers across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana to use caution this morning as blowing and drifting snow create hazardous travel conditions, particularly in open rural areas.
According to the NWS alert issued just after 1 a.m. CST Wednesday, southwest wind gusts up to 25 mph are contributing to areas of patchy blowing and drifting snow. These conditions may cause partially snow-covered roads and localized slippery travel, especially on untreated highways and secondary routes.
The advisory is in effect through 9 a.m. CST, with the most significant impacts expected across open areas of northern Illinois and adjacent parts of northwest Indiana, including counties near Rockford, Joliet, Kankakee, and Sterling.
Drivers are urged to slow down and use caution, as visibility may drop suddenly in drifting snow. The NWS notes that while snowfall totals are minimal, strong winds can easily lift loose snow from roadways, reducing visibility and creating uneven driving surfaces.
Motorists traveling along Interstate 55, I-57, and I-80 corridors should be especially alert during the early morning commute. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has reported patchy snow and ice on several stretches of highway, particularly in rural sections southwest of Chicago.
Conditions are expected to improve later this morning as winds decrease and temperatures rise slightly.
For the latest updates, the NWS recommends checking weather.gov/chicago or 511in.org for live road condition information.
