Winter Storm to Blanket Chicago Area with 5-9 Inches of Snow
A powerful winter storm is expected to hit the northern Illinois region on Saturday, bringing hazardous driving conditions to the Chicago area. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from 3 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, predicting 5-9 inches of snow.
According to forecasters, snowfall is expected to begin Friday night and intensify by Saturday morning, with the bulk of the snow falling between noon and 8 p.m. The rate of snowfall could peak at an inch per hour by Saturday afternoon, posing significant challenges for drivers.
The Chicago area is not the only region affected, as another winter system is forecasted to bring additional snowfall on Monday night and Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to plummet into single digits on Sunday and Monday nights, adding to the discomfort of the storm.
In anticipation of the severe weather, Illinois State University has announced that it will close its campus on Saturday, while also postponing the Illinois High School Association football state championships scheduled for the same day. Travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution, with officials warning of "hazardous driving conditions" due to low visibility and slippery roads.
"We're prepared, but this weekend's storm will hit when millions of people are returning home from the holiday," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. "Please make a plan to keep you and your loved ones safe, including adjusting travel so you are not on the roads when conditions are at their worst."
To ensure safety, officials recommend that drivers take the following precautions: fill up their gas tank or charge their electric vehicles, pack essential winter gear such as traction equipment, warm clothing, food, water, and an ice scraper. If caught in a crash during inclement weather, stay inside the vehicle.
A powerful winter storm is expected to hit the northern Illinois region on Saturday, bringing hazardous driving conditions to the Chicago area. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from 3 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, predicting 5-9 inches of snow.
According to forecasters, snowfall is expected to begin Friday night and intensify by Saturday morning, with the bulk of the snow falling between noon and 8 p.m. The rate of snowfall could peak at an inch per hour by Saturday afternoon, posing significant challenges for drivers.
The Chicago area is not the only region affected, as another winter system is forecasted to bring additional snowfall on Monday night and Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to plummet into single digits on Sunday and Monday nights, adding to the discomfort of the storm.
In anticipation of the severe weather, Illinois State University has announced that it will close its campus on Saturday, while also postponing the Illinois High School Association football state championships scheduled for the same day. Travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution, with officials warning of "hazardous driving conditions" due to low visibility and slippery roads.
"We're prepared, but this weekend's storm will hit when millions of people are returning home from the holiday," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. "Please make a plan to keep you and your loved ones safe, including adjusting travel so you are not on the roads when conditions are at their worst."
To ensure safety, officials recommend that drivers take the following precautions: fill up their gas tank or charge their electric vehicles, pack essential winter gear such as traction equipment, warm clothing, food, water, and an ice scraper. If caught in a crash during inclement weather, stay inside the vehicle.
Just another excuse for snow-day Netflix binges 
. AND THE TEMPS ARE GOING TO PLUMMET SO LOW THAT I'M LIKE "BRRR" 
. I FEEL FOR ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO TRAVEL ON SUNDAY... PLEASE, JUST STAY HOME AND ENJOY A COZY DAY WITH YOUR LOVED ONES 
! AND IF YOU DO HAVE TO GO OUT, MAKE SURE YOU'RE PREPARED WITH ALL THE RIGHT GEAR, LIKE TRACTION EQUIPMENT AND WARM CLOTHES. LET'S GET THROUGH THIS STORM SAFELY AND WITHOUT TOO MUCH CHAOS 
!
They're saying it's gonna be super snowy and we should be all like "oh no", but at the same time, think about how nice it'll be to have an excuse to stay indoors with a hot cuppa 
️? I mean, 5-9 inches of snow is pretty crazy, but it's also kinda... exciting? 
Like, have you ever had one of those days where you just wanna curl up on the couch and watch Netflix all day? This might be that kind of storm 
. Like, come on Gia Biagi, can't you see that's just asking for trouble? They should be encouraging people to stay indoors and play it safe for once. And what's with all this "make a plan" stuff? We get it, we're all adults, make our own decisions 
. But seriously, who thought it was a good idea to leave when the forecast is calling for hazardous conditions? Just saying
and apparently it'll reduce emissions by like 50% or something 
also can u imagine driving on roads with 5-9 inches of snow? 
like, not even joking i heard ppl in chicago are prepping their cars for the worst w/ winter gear & fueling up just in case 
. illinois state uni closing campus and postponing football championships? that's crazy talk 
. seriously tho, low visibility and slippery roads are no joke, gotta make sure you're prepared with the right gear and all that 
this is gonna be a wild ride for the Chicago area! 5-9 inches of snow is crazy, not sure how they're gonna keep everyone safe on those roads 
. Low visibility and slippery roads are no joke, gotta take all that precautions 
like filling up on gas and packing essentials. Hope everyone's ready to hunker down and stay warm 
? That's so bummer for all the fans! Let's hope everyone stays safe and warm over the weekend 
. The thought of driving in those conditions is super scary, like what if you get stuck on the road? 
than risk getting stuck in traffic or sliding off the road 
is right on point with her safety tips 
️
... it's time to stay safe & cozy 
. It's like they're leaving it up to us individual citizens to deal with these problems, which is just not fair 
.
. i'm worried about those travelers who are supposed to hit the roads when conditions are at their worst. can't they plan for this or is it just one of those things that you gotta deal with?