CHICAGO – A powerful lake effect snowstorm is set to hammer the Chicago metro area beginning late Sunday, with intense snow rates, whiteout conditions, and thundersnow possible through Monday morning. The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Cook and eastern Will Counties, effective from 9 p.m. Sunday through noon Monday.
Forecasters warn of snow rates exceeding 3 inches per hour overnight, leading to localized totals between 12 and 18 inches, particularly along the Lake Michigan shoreline and the I-94 corridor. Winds gusting over 30 mph will create near-zero visibility and severe drifting, making travel dangerous or impossible, especially during the Monday morning commute.
Periods of thundersnow may develop within the heaviest snow bands, adding to accumulation and intensity. “Conditions could vary dramatically within just a few miles,” the National Weather Service noted, with some areas buried while others see only light snow.
Drivers are urged to avoid all non-essential travel and prepare for rapidly deteriorating conditions overnight. IDOT and Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation crews will be working through the night, but heavy snowfall rates may outpace plowing efforts.
Snow is expected to taper by midday Monday, though cold, gusty winds will keep roads icy and visibility poor near the lake.
