Warnings of a Winter Storm Persist in Major Portions of Chicago Amid Heavy Snowfall
Chicago and Northwest Indiana continue to bear the brunt of an unexpected autumn snowstorm, facing a persistent Winter Storm Warning. This warning, however, was downgraded to a Winter Weather Advisory in central Cook County, including Chicago, early in the morning. The rest of Cook County, on the other hand, is still under the Winter Storm Warning.
The snowstorm has resulted in dangerous driving conditions, especially during the morning commute. The snow started to fall and intensify in the Chicago area late Sunday evening and continued to increase throughout the night amid thunderclaps. Snow accumulation was significant in Cook County and around the lake leading into Northwest Indiana.
Impact of the Snowstorm
A small low-pressure system, known as a mesolow, swept through the area in the early morning hours, spreading the impact of the snowstorm. Overnight, several inches of snow accumulated in Chicago and north into Lake County. The harshest conditions were observed south of Chicago and in Northwest Indiana, with snow totals reaching double digits and winds gusting up to 50 mph in some areas. Some regions saw snow accumulation of more than a foot.
While the snowfall ceased in some regions during the early hours, a few more inches were anticipated to fall throughout the morning. Even when the snow was not falling, gusty winds blew snow around, affecting motorists on DuSable Lake Shore Drive downtown.
The lake-effect snow is expected to become more localized from mid-morning through the afternoon as the snow band pivots around the lake from west to east. As the snow begins to break up, total accumulations are expected to be less than previously anticipated.
Areas of Concern
Lake County, Illinois, is expected to be the hardest hit after sunrise. Northwest Indiana is also expected to face significant snowfall in the morning and early afternoon.
Travel conditions could remain hazardous to life-threatening throughout the morning. Keeping this in mind, the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation dispatched its snow plow fleet overnight to maintain clear major roads. Over 250 salt spreaders were deployed Sunday night into Monday morning.
The snow-fighting fleet concentrated on addressing snow and ice along DuSable Lake Shore Drive and the city's main routes. Early Monday morning, express buses were not operating on DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
Travel Warnings
Outside the city, some highways were treacherous to the point of being impassable as of early morning. Poor to zero visibility was reported on parts of the highways south of Chicago and in Indiana, where overhead lighting is lacking. Numerous vehicles were found in ditches, and motorists were advised to avoid these areas.
A representative of the Indiana State Police urged commuters to reduce their speed and warned that travel times would be significantly longer than usual. He also advised motorists to pack water, food, and blankets in case of stranding. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of staying in the vehicle until first responders arrive in case of a crash, as standing along the highway can be dangerous and even fatal.
Airport Operations
During the snowstorm, a major international airport was closed to non-scheduled operations and general aviation overnight. A significant number of flights were canceled for the morning, impacting both local and international travel.
Duration of the Warnings
The Winter Storm Warning is expected to remain in effect until midday for affected parts of Cook County and eastern Will County. In Kankakee County, the warning began early Monday morning and is also expected to continue until midday. The warning will remain in effect until Monday evening for Lake and Porter counties in Indiana.
In LaPorte County, Indiana, a Winter Storm Warning has been in effect since midday Sunday and will continue until early Tuesday morning. Lake County, Illinois, is also under a Winter Storm Warning, which will be in effect until early Monday morning. A Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect for DuPage and western Will counties in Illinois, as well as Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana.
Forecasted Snowfall
Snowfall rates of up to 3 inches per hour are still a risk. After the storm, snow accumulation of 4 to 6 inches is expected in most places. Localized totals of 8 to 10 inches remain possible, with a spot or two of 12 to 14 inches also still possible — particularly along and just inland from the lake shore.