A winter storm warning is in effect for much of the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana this morning. This unusual fall snowstorm dumped heavy lake-effect snow across the region.
For central Cook County, including Chicago, the warning was downgraded to a winter weather advisory early today. However, elsewhere in Cook County, the storm warning still stands. As people started their morning commute, hazardous driving conditions were anticipated.
The snow started falling around 8 p.m. Sunday, picking up intensity through the night, even accompanied by thunder. Accumulations increased quickly around Cook County and Northwestern Indiana.
A small low-pressure system, also known as a mesolow, moved through early this morning, spreading heavy snowfall across the area. The north suburbs, from Kenosha, Wisconsin, through Lake County, faced snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour around 4:30 a.m. In downtown Chicago, there was a brief lull, but more heavy lake-effect snow was expected.
Travel conditions worsened south of Chicago and in Northwest Indiana, where some areas reported double-digit snow totals and wind gusts of up to 50 mph. As the snow band shifted, conditions throughout the morning could still pose life-threatening hazards with snowfall rates reaching up to 3 inches per hour. Visibility may drop to near zero in heavy snow.
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation deployed over 250 snow plows and salt spreaders overnight to clear major roads. They focused on key routes like DuSable Lake Shore Drive. However, express buses weren’t running on this road early this morning.
Many expressways were reported as dangerous, with poor visibility on I-57 south of Chicago and I-65 in Indiana. Drivers were urged to avoid the roads if possible.
O’Hare International Airport had to close for non-scheduled operations overnight due to the storm, resulting in 239 flight cancellations. Midway International Airport also faced disruptions with 130 canceled flights.
The storm warning will remain in place through noon today for parts of Cook County and eastern Will County. In Kankakee County, the warning will last until noon as well, while Lake and Porter counties in Indiana will see it until 6 p.m. Localized snowfall totals of 8 to 10 inches are likely, with possible isolated areas reaching up to 12 to 14 inches.
According to the National Weather Service, such rapid snowfall and high winds can lead to severe travel disruptions, a sentiment echoed by meteorologist David Shultz, who emphasizes that preparation is key during these storms. Events like this serve as a reminder of past severe winter weather, with the 2011 blizzard still fresh in residents’ minds.
Stay safe out there, and check local updates for the latest information on road conditions.
For more updates on school closings, flight delays, and public transit, visit Chicago Public Schools, Chicago’s O’Hare, CTA, and Metra.
Source link
Winter Storm, Winter Storm Warning
