November 21, 2024

The TNW Weather Center and Breaking News Team, led by General Manager Todd Nardone, has declared the first Winter Weather Alert Day of the 2024-2025 season. Northeastern Illinois, including the Chicago metro area, is bracing for a significant snowstorm that will bring hazardous conditions, including heavy snow, strong winds, and travel disruptions.

Snowfall and Timing

After light snow in some areas Wednesday night, the main event started early Thursday morning, bringing intense bursts of snow during peak commute hours. The heaviest snowfall is expected between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches possible. Snowfall rates of up to one inch per hour are likely, creating slushy and slippery road conditions.

As temperatures rise above freezing later in the day, some slushy snow may melt. By early afternoon, snow showers will taper off and transition into scattered rain as the system moves out of the area. However, slick roads and low visibility will remain a concern into the evening.

Winds and Visibility Concerns

This storm is accompanied by strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph, making conditions even more hazardous:

• Wind chills will drop into the teens and 20s, adding to the discomfort for those outdoors.
• A Wind Advisory is in effect until 8 p.m., warning of downed tree limbs, localized power outages, and flying debris.
• Drivers may face sharply reduced visibility due to blowing snow and wind gusts.

Winter Weather Advisory in Effect

A Winter Weather Advisory is in place for Cook, Kane, Kendall, Will, McHenry, Lake, DuPage, and surrounding counties until midday. Residents should anticipate slippery roadways, poor visibility, and potential travel delays.

Parking Restrictions in Effect

Local municipalities are implementing winter weather parking restrictions to assist snow removal efforts:

• Chicago: The city will enforce its side street parking ban if snow accumulations reach 2 inches, ensuring snowplows can access key areas.
• Aurora, Illinois: Officials are reminding residents to follow their winter parking regulations to avoid fines and aid in clearing the streets.

Travel Impact: Early Morning Accidents

As of 6:30 a.m., multiple accidents were already reported:

• Crown Point, Indiana: Two semi-truck rollovers occurred on I-65, including one involving two semis and two cars. Another crash caused a fuel tank spill when a trailer carrying 30,000 pounds of paper rolls overturned, prompting extensive cleanup efforts.
• Additional slide-offs and minor crashes were reported across Illinois and Indiana, highlighting the hazardous conditions.

Looking Ahead: Weekend and Thanksgiving Forecast

After today's storm, milder weather is on the horizon. A dry and warmer weekend is expected, with temperatures climbing into the 50s. However, colder air will return next week, bringing another chance of flurries by Thanksgiving.

Stay Updated

For the latest information on this winter storm and travel updates, visit TNWWeather.com. Follow TNW Weather on X, Threads, and Instagram for real-time updates, tips, and alerts throughout the season.

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