Chicago, Illinois – A developing winter storm could bring periods of snow and slick travel conditions to areas near the Illinois–Indiana border from Wednesday, Jan. 14, through Friday, Jan. 17, though confidence in severe impacts remains lower compared to regions farther north and east.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, the Illinois–Indiana border region currently carries around a 20 percent probability for disruptive winter weather. The area sits on the southern and western edge of a broader storm system expected to impact the Great Lakes, meaning local impacts will depend heavily on the storm’s eventual track and the timing of colder air.
The greatest concern areas include Interstate 80, Interstate 94, U.S. Route 30, and nearby state highways connecting northwest Indiana and northeastern Illinois. If snow develops, it would most likely occur during overnight or early morning hours, when temperatures are cold enough for slick road conditions. Even light accumulations could cause travel delays, particularly on bridges, ramps, and untreated secondary roads.
Locations such as Joliet, Kankakee, Morris, Valparaiso, and areas south and east of Chicago may see brief snow or mixed precipitation, while areas farther north toward Lake Michigan could remain closer to rain or experience only minor snow amounts. Gusty winds are possible but are not expected to be a primary driver of impacts at this time.
Transportation officials urge drivers to stay alert later this week, especially those commuting across state lines. IDOT and INDOT recommend checking road conditions before traveling if winter precipitation becomes more likely.
Forecast confidence remains moderate to low for significant impacts in this zone. While widespread winter weather advisories are not anticipated at this time, officials caution that small shifts in storm evolution could change conditions quickly, with updated guidance expected over the next couple of days.
