Chicago, IL – A powerful lake effect snow event is set to impact the Chicago area beginning 11 p.m. Sunday through 3 p.m. Monday, bringing dangerous travel conditions and near-zero visibility in some areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the heaviest snowfall will occur overnight and into the Monday morning commute, with snowfall rates exceeding 3 inches per hour in the most intense bands. The worst conditions are expected across Cook (IL), Lake (IN), and Porter (IN) counties, where Winter Storm Warnings are in effect.
Officials caution that travel may become “locally dangerous to impossible” within the red-shaded warning zones. Roads will quickly become snow-covered and slick, and visibility could drop to near zero during peak bursts.
Drivers are urged to avoid travel tonight where the lake effect snow bands are active. Those who must travel should keep emergency kits in vehicles and allow extra time to reach destinations.
The snow is forecast to taper off by Monday afternoon, though blowing snow and cold temperatures may continue to affect visibility into the evening.
