Drivers in northern Illinois should brace themselves for slick roads and reduced visibility by Thursday evening, as several inches of snow accumulate in the region, potentially interrupting travel on major routes such as I-90, I-94, and I-55.
According to the National Weather Service Chicago, heavy snow is probable Thursday, with temperatures ranging from 35 to 38 degrees throughout the day and dropping to the 20s overnight. Forecasters predict that several inches of snow will fall across the Chicago metro region, with the biggest amounts expected north and west of downtown. Officials warn that heavier precipitation may swiftly decrease visibility and glaze roadways during the evening commute.
Illinois will have milder conditions through midweek, but the system that arrives Thursday has the potential to cause significant travel delays. Roads in Chicago, including Lake Shore Drive, I-290, I-294, and I-80, may become snow-covered as pavement temperatures drop after nightfall. Bridges and overpasses are likely to ice first.
As snowfall increases, the Illinois Department of Transportation may deploy plows and salt trucks. Motorists should allow for extra travel time, limit speeds, and maintain a gap of at least one car length every 10 mph. In the event of a traffic jam, it is recommended that drivers charge their phones and maintain emergency supplies in their vehicles.
Snow showers may continue throughout early Friday before tapering off. Additional advisories or winter weather alerts may be issued when confidence in snowfall totals grows. Drivers should keep an eye out for updates until Thursday afternoon, when timing and totals will become obvious.
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