Chicago, IL – As Christmas season travel begins in full swing, Illinois is preparing for a weekend of snow, subzero wind chills, and icy roads as an Arctic blast grips the Midwest. Meteorologists say a powerful winter system moving in from the Plains could drop close to a foot of snow in some areas, accompanied by dangerous cold and gusty winds.
Temperatures across much of Illinois are expected to fall into the teens and single digits by Sunday morning, with wind chills plunging below zero across northern and central regions. The same Arctic air mass has pushed deep into the U.S., with Florida even under a Freeze Warning Friday morning — a rare sign of just how widespread this cold front has become.
State officials urge Illinois drivers to prepare for hazardous road conditions and possible delays along major interstates including I-90, I-55, and I-80. A fully stocked winter emergency kit is essential for anyone traveling long distances or during storms. Recommended items include bottled water, non-perishable snacks, blankets, gloves, jumper cables, and a flashlight. Drivers should also carry a shovel, traction materials such as cat litter or sand, and a portable phone charger. Keeping the gas tank at least half full helps prevent freezing and ensures warmth if stranded.
The Illinois Department of Transportation advises motorists to check weather updates frequently, reduce speed, and give extra space to snowplows and emergency vehicles.
With Arctic air spreading across the region and Christmas travel underway, preparation remains every driver’s best defense. For Illinois travelers this holiday season, safety starts before turning the key — with a car ready for whatever winter brings.
