Chicago, IL – A fast-moving winter system brought accumulating snow Saturday, followed by a sharp blast of Arctic cold, creating hazardous travel and dangerously low temperatures across Illinois and northwest Indiana.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, snowfall showed a sharp north-to-south gradient, with the heaviest snow falling well south of Interstate 80 across central Illinois. Some areas recorded over 6 inches, including parts of southern Ford County.
The highest reported snowfall totals included Gibson City and Paxton at 7 inches, Chatsworth with 5 inches, and Woodworth with 4 inches. Areas closer to Chicago, including O’Hare and Rockford, saw little to no measurable snow, though slick conditions were still reported due to light accumulation and falling temperatures.
Snow combined with falling temperatures Saturday night, causing snow to become light and powdery but leading to icy and slippery road conditions, especially on untreated surfaces.
By Sunday morning, bitter cold settled in. The NWS reported low temperatures plunging well below zero across the region. Elgin hit -10°F, while Wellington reached -9°F. Other readings included -8°F in Rantoul, -7°F in DeKalb, Pontiac, and Cissna Park, and -6°F in Marengo and Sugar Grove.
In the Chicago area, O’Hare dropped to -2°F, while Rockford reached -6°F. Slightly warmer readings near Lake Michigan included 1°F at Chicago’s Northerly Island.
Officials urge residents to limit time outdoors, dress in layers, and use caution while driving as cold temperatures allow icy spots to persist.
