Chicago, IL – Drivers across northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana are urged to use caution this evening, as a band of accumulating snow moves west to east through the region, creating hazardous travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville, snow is expected to develop around 6 p.m. Saturday and continue through approximately midnight. During this time, snowfall may become heavy at times, leading to quick accumulations of 1 to 2 inches, with locally higher totals possible.
Forecasters say the greatest travel impacts are expected south of the La Salle to Rensselaer line, where snowfall rates could be strong enough to rapidly cover roadways. Even brief bursts of heavy snow may cause rapidly changing conditions over short distances, catching drivers off guard.
In addition to snowfall, winds will occasionally gust between 25 and 35 mph, resulting in wind-whipped snow and further reductions in visibility. While this is not expected to be a prolonged storm, officials stress that short-duration snow events can be just as dangerous, especially during evening travel hours.
Cities potentially impacted include Chicago, Joliet, Kankakee, La Salle, Morris, and nearby communities across Cook, Will, Kankakee, La Salle counties, as well as parts of northwest Indiana.
The National Weather Service advises motorists to slow down, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for slick roads and sudden visibility drops. Bridges and overpasses may become hazardous first as snow intensity increases.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updates through the evening as conditions evolve.
