Chicago, IL – The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Wind Advisory for most of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, including the Chicago metro area, warning of dangerous wind gusts that could affect Thanksgiving travel.
The advisory is in effect from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST Wednesday, with west winds of 25 to 35 mph and gusts up to 50 mph expected. Forecasters note that isolated gusts could reach 55 to 60 mph, particularly during the late morning and afternoon hours.
The strongest winds will impact areas from Rockford and DeKalb eastward through Chicago and into northwest Indiana, including Gary, Valparaiso, and Merrillville.
According to the NWS, tree limbs could be blown down, leading to isolated power outages, while high-profile vehicles on north–south roads — such as I-57, I-65, and I-355 — may experience difficult travel conditions.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor furniture and holiday decorations, as lightweight items may become airborne. Pedestrians should also use caution when walking near tall structures where strong wind funnels are common.
The advisory comes as millions across the Midwest prepare to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, potentially complicating plans with hazardous driving and flight delays at O’Hare and Midway Airports.
