KANKAKEE, Ill. – The first major winter storm of the season is set to bring heavy lake effect snow and hazardous travel to Kankakee County overnight and into Monday morning. The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Winter Storm Warning from midnight to noon CST Monday.
Forecasters expect snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times, with total accumulations of 6 to 10 inches, especially near and east of Interstate 57. Conditions may deteriorate rapidly overnight as intense snow bands develop off Lake Michigan.
Officials warn that travel could become dangerous, with untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses quickly turning slick and snow-covered. Visibility may drop below a quarter mile during periods of heaviest snow. “Lake effect snow can be extremely localized,” the National Weather Service noted, “so conditions may vary dramatically across short distances.”
Drivers are urged to avoid non-essential travel, carry emergency supplies, and check the latest road updates from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Those who must travel should allow extra time and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
Snow will taper late Monday morning, but cold air and gusty winds will linger into the afternoon, keeping roads icy.
