Chicago, IL – Cook County residents are bracing for a high-impact winter storm this weekend, with heavy snow expected to blanket the region beginning early Saturday and continuing into early Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 3 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, bringing projected snow totals of 6 to 10 inches across Cook County. Areas on the northern side of the county—such as Evanston, Skokie, Park Ridge, Lincolnwood, and Rogers Park—may see localized higher totals as snowfall bands intensify.
Snow is expected to begin shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday, with the heaviest accumulation likely between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. NWS warns that snowfall rates may approach 1 inch per hour, causing fast deterioration of road conditions through the morning.
Travel will likely be severely impacted on major expressways, including the Kennedy (I-90/94), Edens (I-94), Dan Ryan (I-90/94), Eisenhower (I-290), Stevenson (I-55), and the Tri-State Tollway (I-294). Slippery conditions and reduced visibility may lead to extended delays during the morning commute and midday travel period.
Public transit riders may also face weather-related impacts, including slower CTA bus routes and potential delays on Metra lines serving downtown Chicago.
Light snow is expected to continue through Saturday evening, gradually tapering off before 6 a.m. Sunday. Temperatures will remain below freezing during the event, allowing snow to accumulate efficiently on untreated surfaces.
Drivers are urged to exercise caution and check updated Illinois road conditions at GettingAroundIllinois.com before traveling.
