Chicago, IL – A powerful lake-effect snow band is taking aim at the western Great Lakes, threatening to shut down travel from Milwaukee to South Bend through Monday morning. The National Weather Service Chicago has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Cook, Will, Kankakee, Lake IN, and Porter Counties, where snowfall rates may exceed 3 inches per hour with total accumulations up to 18 inches.
According to the National Weather Service, the snow will intensify after 9 p.m. Sunday, quickly coating roads along I-90, I-94, and I-80/94, including the Chicago Skyway and Borman Expressway. Winds gusting above 30 mph will cause whiteout conditions near the shoreline, especially from Evanston to Gary. Drivers are urged to delay travel and expect near-zero visibility during the Monday morning commute.
Farther west, Milwaukee’s south side may see 3–6 inches by daybreak before heavier snow shifts east. Across northwest Indiana, snow bands will persist through midday Monday, producing thundersnow and deep drifts across U.S. 41 and I-65. IDOT, INDOT, and WisDOT report plow operations ongoing, but the rapid accumulation rate may overwhelm crews.
Residents should charge phones, avoid unnecessary trips, and keep extra blankets and water in vehicles. Power flickers are possible near the lakeshore. Travel improves late Monday as the band weakens and pushes offshore, but temperatures will remain below freezing with patchy refreeze.
