Waukegan, IL – A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Lake County, Illinois, as heavy lake effect snow and strong winds continue to create dangerous travel conditions across the region Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the warning has been extended until 9 a.m. CST as additional bursts of lake effect snow move inland from Lake Michigan. Snow accumulations are expected to range from 1 to 4 inches in western Lake County to 4 to 8 inches—with locally higher amounts—closer to the shoreline and areas east of Interstate 94.
Snow rates may exceed 2 inches per hour, briefly crippling travel across portions of Mundelein, Gurnee, Buffalo Grove, and Waukegan. Winds gusting over 30 mph are expected to cause low visibility and blowing snow, particularly near the lakeshore.
Forecasters caution that conditions can vary sharply across short distances, with heavy bands of snow quickly shifting during the morning commute. Drivers are urged to delay travel where possible and to keep an emergency kit in their vehicles in case of delays or stranded conditions.
The lake effect snow is expected to diminish later Monday morning, but slick roads and reduced visibility may persist into midday as temperatures remain below freezing.
