Snow squall warning issued as Chicago-area roads see near whiteout conditions

Drivers across the Chicago area Wednesday morning reported deteriorating road conditions as a snow squall warning was issued for some, with as gusty snow showers, “rapidly falling visibility” and winds up to 50 miles per hour possible.

The snow squall warning was in effect through 9 a.m. for Kankakee, Will and southeastern Cook counties in Illinois, and Porter, Lake, central Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana as the National Weather Service warned of intense bursts of heavy snow, including on interstates.

“Travel will become difficult and potentially dangerous within minutes,” the NWS warned.

Videos and photos from the suburbs to the city captured the scene, with grey, blurry skies, low visibility and heavy blowing snowflakes.

Morning commuters on roads and highways across the Chicago area reported quickly changing visibility, with drivers using hazard lights.

A ground stop was issued at O’Hare Airport, continuing through 8:45 a.m.

In Kenosha County, a winter weather advisory was in effect through 10 a.m., with officials warning of slick and icy conditions. In a post on X, the NWS told drivers to beware of strong wind gusts and limited visibility.

As of 8 a.m., Live Doppler 5 radar showed the fast-moving storm covering nearly the entire Chicago area.

“The most intense snowfall is expected to be in the heart of the Chicago metro,” the NWS said, before moving into northwest Indiana and onto the other side of Lake Michigan.

Snow was expected to continue through 11 a.m. in Illinois before moving into northern Indiana and eastern Michigan, where winter storm warnings and advisories were in effect. There, up to 12 inches of snow was possible, the NBC 5 Storm Team said.

Winds gusting as high as 40 mph with blowing and drifting snow were expected to create whiteout conditions, making travel “treacherous and potentially life-threatening,” the NWS added.

Those conditions were expected all day Wednesday and into Thursday morning, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said, as lake effect snow lingers.

More rounds of snow Thursday and beyond

Lake effect snow in Indiana was expected to come to an end by lunchtime Thursday, NBC 5 Storm Team Alicia Roman said. After that, a “wintry pattern” will bring daily chances for snow, blustery winds and cold temperatures.

“We’re watching another fast-moving system that will bring us more snow area-wide Thursday night,” Roman said, starting at about 5 p.m.

Temperatures will be in the 20s Thursday and 30s Friday, before dropping into the teens over the weekend and for Sunday’s Bears-Rams playoff game at Soldier Field.