Chicago, IL – Illinois emergency officials are urging residents to begin preparing today for potential ice storms this winter, emphasizing that freezing rain can create far more dangerous conditions than snowfall. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), ice accumulation can quickly snap tree limbs, damage powerlines, and trigger hazardous travel across the Chicago metro and northern Illinois.
According to NOAA, even a thin glaze of ice can overload weakened branches and create treacherous road conditions along major routes, including I-90, I-94, I-290, I-55, and the Tri-State Tollway. Chicago’s urban tree canopy, combined with suburban sprawl and heavy commuter volume, increases vulnerability when freezing rain develops. With temperatures fluctuating this week, emergency managers say today is the ideal day to complete essential winter prep.
According to the National Weather Service, residents should start by trimming weak or damaged branches around homes, garages, and sidewalks—these limbs are typically the first to fall once ice begins to accumulate. NOAA also cautions drivers not to raise windshield wipers before storms, as they can freeze to windshields and snap. Keeping them lowered and covered is recommended.
Families are encouraged to maintain at least a week’s supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, and essential prescriptions. Ice storms can cause extended outages and make travel dangerous throughout Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, and Kane counties. Officials also urge residents not to park vehicles beneath trees, where ice-laden branches may fall without warning.
To prepare for possible power disruptions, emergency managers recommend fully charging phones, flashlights, power banks, and essential electronics today. Homeowners using generators should safely store extra gasoline and test their units in advance. Stocking rock salt or ice melt can also reduce slip-and-fall risks around walkways, porches, and driveways.
“Ice storms can significantly disrupt daily life across Illinois,” the NWS said. “Preparing today is the best way to stay safe this winter.”
