CHICAGO, Ill. – Thick clouds and swirling flakes mark the arrival of a powerful early-season winter storm along the Lake Michigan shoreline this morning. Streets glisten with slush, visibility drops to near zero at times, and the first true snowstorm of November is already disrupting travel across the metro area.
According to the National Weather Service in Chicago/Romeoville, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through noon Monday for Cook and Will counties in Illinois and Porter County in Indiana. Intense lake-effect snow is expected to continue through the day, with rates locally exceeding 3 inches per hour in narrow, fast-moving bands. Total accumulations of 12 to 18 inches are possible near the lakeshore, especially from Evanston to Hammond.
North winds gusting over 30 mph will blow and drift snow, creating near-whiteout conditions along I-90, I-94, and Lake Shore Drive. Travel is strongly discouraged while the heaviest snow bands persist. Road crews are working continuously, but visibility may drop suddenly within minutes, especially during the Monday morning commute. Residents should keep emergency kits in vehicles, charge devices, and avoid unnecessary trips until conditions improve.
By Monday afternoon, snow intensity lessens and skies begin to clear. Veterans Day on Tuesday brings calmer, partly sunny weather with highs near 40—offering a brief reprieve before another cold push arrives late week.
For now, Chicagoland faces its first significant winter storm of the season—one defined by howling winds, rapidly changing visibility, and snow piling fast enough to mark an unmistakable start to November’s frozen turn.
