Chicago Snowstorm Threatens Wednesday Morning Commute

As Chicago braces for inclement weather, a winter storm is poised to disrupt the morning commute on Wednesday. Accumulating snowfall is expected late this evening and may continue into the early hours of the day.

Winter Weather Advisory Details

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for several counties, including:

• McHenry
• Lake (IL)
• DeKalb
• Kane
• DuPage
• Cook (northern and central)

The advisory takes effect at 8 PM for McHenry and Lake counties, and at 10 PM for the others. Snow accumulations may range from 1 to 4 inches, with localized areas experiencing up to 5 inches near the Wisconsin state line.

Impact on Commuters

Commuters, particularly those traveling north of I-80, should prepare for challenging driving conditions during the Wednesday morning commute. Steady snowfall is forecast to taper off shortly after daybreak. The advisory is set to expire at 8 AM on Wednesday.

Additional Weather Conditions

Scattered snow showers may also occur later in the day, coinciding with a reinforcing blast of cold air. Windy conditions could create blowing snow, impacting the evening commute further. Temperatures are expected to peak in the upper 20s on Wednesday.

Upcoming Cold Snap

As temperatures drop on Thursday, highs will only reach the lower 20s. A significant Arctic air mass is projected to invade the region overnight Thursday into Friday, leading to dangerously low wind chills between -20 and -30 degrees. Daytime temperatures on Friday may struggle to reach zero, with sub-zero conditions expected over the weekend.

Emergency Warming Centers Activated

The city of Chicago will activate emergency warming centers as the cold weather settles in. These centers will provide shelter for those in need from Wednesday through Friday. Locations include:

• Englewood Community Service Center – 1140 West 79th Street
• Garfield Community Service Center – 10 South Kedzie Avenue
• Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center – 4314 South Cottage Grove
• North Area Community Service Center – 845 West Wilson Avenue
• South Chicago Community Service Center – 8650 South Commercial Avenue
• Trina Davila Community Service Center – 4312 West North Avenue

Additionally, all 21 senior centers operated by the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) will be open, with varied hours. For updates and information on all warming centers, residents can visit chicago.gov or call 3-1-1.

As the weather continues to pose threats, staying informed is crucial for safety and preparation.