Joliet, IL – Will County is preparing for a disruptive winter storm set to bring heavy snowfall from early Saturday morning through early Sunday, with significant travel impacts expected across the region.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 3 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, with 6 to 10 inches of snow forecast. Heavier bands may develop in central and northern Will County, especially around Joliet, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Romeoville, and Crest Hill.
Snow is expected to develop shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday, becoming heavy between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. During this window, snowfall rates may reach 1 inch per hour, rapidly covering roadways and lowering visibility.
Travel will likely be impacted along major Will County routes, including:
- I-55 (Stevenson Expressway)
- I-80 (Mokena–Joliet–New Lenox stretch)
- I-355 (Veterans Memorial Tollway)
- US-30, IL-59, IL-53, IL-126, Route 6
- Local roads through Shorewood, Lockport, Frankfort, Mokena, and Manhattan
I-55 and I-80 are expected to experience the worst conditions, with slick lanes and slow-moving traffic possible all day Saturday.
Light snow is expected to continue Saturday evening before tapering off by 6 a.m. Sunday. Temperatures will remain below freezing, allowing snow to accumulate quickly on untreated surfaces.
Drivers should limit travel during peak snowfall and check Illinois road updates at GettingAroundIllinois.com.
