Rockford, Illinois – Strong west-northwest winds are pushing snow across roads in northern Illinois and northwest Indiana Monday evening, dropping visibility to near zero in open areas and creating dangerous travel conditions through midnight.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until midnight CDT Monday for a large portion of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. The advisory includes Rockford, Elgin, Joliet, Kankakee, Ottawa, and Pontiac, along with Gary, Valparaiso, and surrounding communities in northwest Indiana.
Wind-driven snow is producing blowing and drifting across north–south roadways, where gusty winds push snow back onto lanes even after plows pass. Major corridors including Interstate 90, Interstate 55, Interstate 80, and Interstate 65 could see sudden whiteout conditions in exposed farmland areas.
Drivers may encounter stretches of clear pavement followed by drifted snow and sharp visibility drops, especially outside urban centers like Rockford, DeKalb, and Morris.
Transportation officials urge motorists to slow down, keep headlights on, and allow extra stopping distance. Travelers can check GettingAroundIllinois.com or Indiana’s 511 system for the latest road conditions before heading out.
Winds are expected to gradually ease after midnight, allowing visibility to improve overnight, though drifting snow could leave isolated slick spots into the early Tuesday morning hours.
