Chicago, Illinois – A strengthening storm system may deliver the season’s first disruptive winter blast to northern Illinois and northwest Indiana late Friday night into Saturday night, bringing heavy snow, hazardous roads, and potential travel slowdowns across the Chicago metro.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, a Winter Storm Watch covers Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, Lake, McHenry, Boone, Winnebago, Kendall, Grundy, La Salle, Kankakee, Livingston, Ford, Iroquois, and nearby counties from late Friday night through late Saturday night. Parts of Lake and Porter Counties in northwest Indiana are included. Forecasters warn that snowfall could exceed six inches in the hardest-hit areas, with the heaviest bands forming before sunrise Saturday and continuing through the afternoon.
According to forecasters, confidence is growing that rates may approach one inch per hour at times, especially along the I-90 and I-55 corridors. Slushy to snow-covered pavement may lead to slowdowns on the Kennedy, Eisenhower, Dan Ryan, Stevenson, and Tri-State. IDOT and the Illinois Tollway expect pre-treating operations to begin Friday evening. Wind gusts may further reduce visibility in open areas, particularly west of Aurora, DeKalb, and Joliet.
According to emergency managers, early preparations will help reduce risk. Drivers should delay non-essential travel during peak snowfall, maintain extra following distance, and keep emergency kits in vehicles. Residents should plan for shoveling early Saturday, charge devices, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Pet and livestock protection is recommended as temperatures hover near the freezing mark.
A transition to lighter snow is expected Saturday night, with gradual improvement Sunday morning.
