Chicago, Illinois – Drivers across the Chicago suburbs are dealing with rapidly changing road conditions Friday afternoon as lake-effect snow bands continue to sweep inland, creating slick pavement and sudden drops in visibility during the evening commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through 8 p.m. Friday for Lake and DuPage counties, as well as northern Cook County. Additional snow accumulations of up to 5 inches are possible near Lake Michigan, with lesser but still impactful totals farther inland. Roads, bridges, and overpasses are becoming especially hazardous as bursts of snow move through.
Communities including Waukegan, Gurnee, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Wheaton, Lombard, Naperville, Evanston, Schaumburg, Palatine, Des Plaines, and Northbrook are all experiencing periods of accumulating snow. Visibility can change dramatically within minutes as narrow lake-effect bands shift, making travel unpredictable even over short distances.
In eastern Will County, including Crete, Peotone, and Beecher, a Winter Weather Advisory begins Friday evening and continues overnight, followed by a second advisory Saturday morning through mid-afternoon. Two waves of lake-effect snow are expected, with localized totals exceeding 4 inches near the Indiana state line.
While a brief lull is possible overnight as the main snow band shifts east, lake-effect snow is expected to redevelop Saturday morning across parts of northeastern Illinois. Officials urge drivers to slow down, allow extra travel time, and monitor road conditions closely, as additional advisories could be issued if snow bands intensify or linger.
