Chicago, IL – Another round of accumulating snow and bitter cold is set to hit much of northern Illinois on Saturday, with the highest travel impacts expected south of I-80, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago.
Forecasters say temperatures will remain in the single digits and teens for much of the weekend, creating very slippery conditions even with lighter snowfall. Early Friday morning, NWS reported slick and snow-coated roads across Livingston, Ford, Iroquois, and Kankakee Counties after Thursday night’s system.
According to the NWS, Saturday’s snow is expected between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., with most accumulation occurring from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Areas south of the Kankakee River could see 2 to 5 inches, with snowfall rates briefly reaching one inch per hour. A sharp gradient is expected—locations north of I-80 may see little to no accumulation, especially near the Wisconsin state line.
The snow will be “very fluffy and slippery,” forecasters said, with ratios near 20:1. Reduced visibility and snow-covered roads are likely during the afternoon, leading to hazardous travel conditions. Local road condition maps Friday morning already showed many major routes in Livingston, Iroquois, Ford, and McLean Counties covered in snow and ice.
Bitter cold then settles in Saturday night through Sunday morning, with wind chills plunging to -15°F to -30°F. Lake-effect snow showers may continue into Sunday across northwest Indiana, particularly Porter County, creating additional slick spots.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and follow updated forecasts through the weekend.
