Heads Up, Commuters: Chicago Braces for Encore Snowfall During Evening Rush
Just when Chicagoans thought they could finally clear a path after the weekend’s record-breaking blizzard, Mother Nature is sending an icy curtain call. Forecasters are warning that a new round of snow is set to arrive this afternoon, right in time to snarl the Monday evening commute and extend the headaches felt across the city’s roads and airports.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Chicago area, which officially kicked off at 2 p.m. and is expected to last until midnight tonight. The period of heaviest snowfall is anticipated to fall squarely between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., making the evening rush hour a particularly slick affair.
While this event won’t be nearly as severe as the system that clobbered the area over the weekend, drivers should still prepare for hazardous conditions. Current forecasts predict total snow accumulations between two and four inches for most areas, with slightly higher amounts possible for locations south of Interstate 80.
This fresh coating of snow will quickly deteriorate road conditions that city and state crews are still working to clear. Officials are urging commuters to take it slow, allow significant extra travel time, and remember the golden rule of winter driving: avoid crowding the plow. Major arteries, including the Kennedy and Eisenhower Expressways, as well as Interstates 55 and 80, are expected to be especially slick, with reduced visibility as the snow mixes with sleet at times.
The new snow arrives on the heels of one of the most intense early-season storms the region has seen in years. That massive system dropped 8.4 inches of snow at O’Hare International Airport on Saturday alone, setting a new record for the snowiest day in November for the city.
Unsurprisingly, air travel is still reeling from the previous storm, and the Monday afternoon snow could bring new disruptions. O’Hare and Midway International Airports spent the morning working to recover, but scores of flights were still canceled or significantly delayed. Travelers heading to the airports this afternoon or evening are strongly advised to check their airline’s app for the latest updates before leaving the house.
If the snow wasn’t enough, Chicago is also preparing to face an arctic punch later this week. Forecasters are tracking the coldest air of the season, which is expected to settle in by Wednesday and Thursday. This frigid outlook includes sub-zero overnight lows and wind chills that could dip as low as 15 degrees below zero. It is a clear reminder that winter has officially arrived, and it means business.
For those who can, remote work or flexible schedules may be the best bet to avoid the worst of the afternoon commute. If you must be on the road, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready and keep an emergency kit stocked with flashlights, food, and water. Stay safe out there, Chicago.