Chicago, IL – Snowfall and bitter cold temperatures are expected to create hazardous travel conditions across parts of northern and central Illinois and northwest Indiana throughout Saturday, prompting Winter Weather Advisories from the National Weather Service in Chicago.
According to the NWS Chicago, advisories are in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday for La Salle, Grundy, Kankakee, Livingston, Iroquois, and Ford counties in Illinois, along with Newton, Jasper, and Benton counties in Indiana.
Snow accumulations will vary by location. Areas including La Salle, Grundy, Kankakee, Newton, and Jasper counties can expect 1 to 4 inches of snow, while Livingston, Iroquois, Ford, and Benton counties may see 3 to 6 inches, with the highest totals near and south of U.S. Route 24.
Forecasters warn that snowfall rates exceeding 1 inch per hour are possible from late morning through early afternoon, especially in central Illinois and Benton County, Indiana. Combined with temperatures in the single digits to lower teens, road conditions could deteriorate quickly and remain slick throughout the day.
Travel impacts are expected on major routes including I-55, I-57, I-80, and U.S. 24, where untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses may become snow-covered. Cold temperatures will also make snow removal efforts more difficult, allowing slick spots to linger into the evening.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and check road conditions before traveling by visiting gettingaroundillinois.com or 511in.org.
