Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana could face slick, unpredictable travel as patchy snow and ice develop late tonight and linger into Friday, especially on untreated roads and elevated surfaces.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago/Romeoville, a Hazardous Weather Outlook highlights a limited but impactful risk for freezing drizzle overnight, followed by periods of patchy snow on Friday. Ground temperatures remain cold enough for moisture to freeze on contact, creating localized icy spots on bridges, overpasses, and secondary roads.
The risk zone stretches across much of northern Illinois, including Winnebago, McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage, Will, Kankakee, Livingston, and Iroquois counties, as well as Lake and Porter counties in northwest Indiana. In the Chicago metro area, northern, central, and southern Cook County could all see slick conditions during the Friday morning commute. Communities such as Rockford, DeKalb, Joliet, Kankakee, and areas near the Illinois–Indiana state line are also included.
A fast-moving clipper system is expected around daybreak Friday, bringing a mix of light snow, sleet, and freezing rain. By Friday evening, a cold front may trigger brief snow showers, with gusty winds increasing the risk for sudden visibility drops, especially closer to Lake Michigan.
Transportation officials urge drivers to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of snow or ice. Conditions should be monitored closely, as even light accumulation could lead to accidents. Additional advisories may be issued if road impacts increase into Friday night.
