Chicago, IL – As the Midwest braces for a winter storm, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Chicagoland, effective from 8 PM this evening to noon CST Tuesday. The advisory covers central and northeast Illinois, including the Chicago Metro Area, and northwest Indiana, cautioning residents about potentially perilous travel conditions and advising to plan for slippery roadways.
According to NOAA, two rounds of wintry weather are forecasted to hit the region, with the first round beginning tonight and the second on Tuesday afternoon, mainly affecting northwestern Illinois. Precipitation is not expected to end with daybreak; rather, it will ease into mid-morning Tuesday across much of the area. The heaviest snow, possibly accumulating up to 2-5 inches, could cause significant disruptions, particularly during the Tuesday morning rush hour. Travelers are warned of snowfall rates that may briefly exceed 1 inch per hour at times, mainly in areas around the 2-5 inch accumulation range. Snow is expected to transition to rain by Tuesday morning, impacting visibility and travel times.
Residents in open and rural areas should prepare for low, drifting snow Tuesday night. While the Winter Storm WATCH remains unchanged, NOAA advises the public to stay informed on road conditions through www.gettingaroundillinois.com for Illinois and by calling 1-800-261-7623 for Indiana updates. The next scheduled update from NOAA is set for 4 PM today, and the public is urged to stay vigilant and prepare for increased travel times during this winter storm event.
