Chicago, Illinois – Snow is expected to spread into the Chicago metro area Saturday evening, setting up a prolonged period of slick and hazardous travel that could last through much of Sunday as lake-enhanced snowfall develops.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from Saturday evening through Sunday evening for Lake County and much of Cook County, including the city of Chicago, with additional advisories covering DuPage, Will, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Livingston, La Salle, Ford, and Iroquois counties, as well as parts of northwest Indiana. Snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches are expected across the metro, with the highest totals within a few miles of Lake Michigan where lake effect bands may set up.
Road conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly after sunset Saturday as snow becomes steadier. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated streets across Chicago, Evanston, Waukegan, Schaumburg, Oak Park, Naperville, Joliet, and surrounding suburbs are likely to turn slick. Farther south and east, including Kankakee, Watseka, and into northwest Indiana communities such as Gary, Valparaiso, and Chesterton, snowfall totals could reach 4 to 7 inches, extending travel impacts later into Sunday evening.
Lake effect snow may cause sharp differences in accumulation over short distances, especially near the lakeshore, leading to rapidly changing visibility and road conditions. Drivers are urged to slow down, avoid sudden braking, and allow extra stopping distance. Pedestrians should also use caution on icy sidewalks and stairs.
Snow is expected to taper late Sunday, though lingering slick spots may persist into Sunday night. Officials note advisories could be extended if lake effect snow bands remain active longer than expected.
