Residents across the Chicago area are preparing for a significant winter storm set to hit Wednesday, with forecasts predicting 3–6 inches of accumulation. The system has prompted widespread advisories, school closures, and urgent safety warnings as the region gears up for its first major snowfall of the season.
Weather Alerts and Timing
- Winter Weather Advisory: Active from 9 a.m. Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday for Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake (IL/IN), and 12 other Illinois counties, plus Porter County, Indiana.
- Winter Storm Watch: Extended to Kenosha, Jefferson, and Rock counties in Wisconsin, as well as 15 northern Indiana counties, through early Thursday.
Snowfall is expected to begin between 7–9 a.m., intensifying by midday. ABC7 meteorologist Larry Mowry forecasts 1–2 inches by noon, with the heaviest accumulation (3–5 inches) occurring between noon and 5 p.m. Intermittent lighter snow may persist until midnight, adding up to 2 more inches in some areas.
Preparations Underway
- Road Crews: Illinois Tollway teams have activated salt trucks, emphasizing readiness after months of training.
- Residents: Locals like West Chicago’s Dave Hauke tested snowblowers early, discovering mechanical hiccups that required quick fixes.
- Contractors: Snow removal teams, such as John Geroulis’ 40-member crew, are preparing for round-the-clock shifts. “Cold temps mean extra vigilance—safety first,” Geroulis noted.
Impacts and Safety Warnings
- School Closures: Dozens of districts, including Chicago-area schools, canceled classes Wednesday.
- Travel Risks: Illinois State Police urge drivers to reduce speeds and avoid unnecessary trips. Trooper Jayme Bufford warned, “Even emergency vehicles struggle in these conditions.”
- Health Concerns: Endeavor Health’s Dr. Tom King highlighted risks of slips and overexertion: “More injuries occur from dog-walking than shoveling.”
Extended Forecast and Cold Snap
Temperatures will hover in the 20s Wednesday, but a bitter cold front arrives Thursday, bringing wind chills as low as -5°F. While Friday offers a brief respite, additional snow showers are likely Saturday, potentially compounding cleanup efforts.
City Resources and Reminders
- Overnight Parking: Restrictions are in effect to aid plowing.
- Sidewalk Clearing: Property owners must remove snow within 7 hours of accumulation.
- Warming Centers: Open citywide for vulnerable residents.
Authorities stress caution: “Slow down, stay alert, and prioritize safety,” urged Steve Mednis of Illinois Tollway. With the season’s first major test looming, Chicagoans are bracing for a snowy—and slippery—wake-up call.
