Winter Storm Warning Issued for Chicago Area Following thanksgiving
Table of Contents
A meaningful winter storm is poised to impact the chicago metropolitan area, with a Winter Storm Warning now in effect from 3 a.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Sunday.Residents are urged to prepare for several inches of snow and possibly hazardous travel conditions following a relatively dry Black Friday.
The National Weather Service upgraded the previous Winter Storm Watch after forecasting substantial snowfall across the region. The warning extends to several counties in Indiana, including Ford, Iroquois, Illinois, Benton, Jasper, and Newton, expiring at midnight Sunday for those areas.
First Snow Expected Early Saturday
AccuWeather meteorologists predict the first snowflakes will begin falling around 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. Saturday. The heaviest snowfall is anticipated during the afternoon and early evening hours.There is a possibility of a changeover to rain in some areas Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Snowfall Totals and Regional impact
Snowfall accumulations are expected to vary across the region. Areas in and around Chicago and Northwest Indiana could receive five to eight inches of snow, while locations north and west of the city may see more than eight inches.
Football Championships Postponed
The anticipated storm has already caused disruptions, most notably the postponement of several IHSA football championship games. The Class 5A-8A games, originally scheduled for Saturday at Illinois State University in Bloomington, have been moved due to the university’s decision to close campus in anticipation of the severe weather. the Class 1A-4A games proceeded as planned on Friday.
Specifically, the following games have been impacted:
- 5A: St. francis vs. Providence Catholic
- 6A: Fenwick vs. East St. Louis
- 7A: St.Rita vs. Brother Rice
- 8A: Mount Carmel vs. Oswego
The 5A and 6A games are now rescheduled for Tuesday. Officials will announce a new date for the 7A and 8A games by Saturday evening.
Travel Advisory and Lingering Cold
The Illinois Tollway is advising holiday travelers to exercise extreme caution while driving this weekend, as the snow and subsequent cold temperatures could create hazardous conditions for those returning from or traveling to Thanksgiving celebrations.
Following the storm’s departure, temperatures will remain frigid, with overnight lows expected to dip into the single digits on Sunday.The storm system also poses a threat to travelers across the Midwest and East Coast as millions head home after the holiday.
Residents can stay informed with the latest radar information for their specific area:
- Cook County Radar
- DuPage County Radar
- will County Radar
- Lake County Radar (IL)
- Kane County radar
- Northwest indiana Radar
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV.All Rights Reserved.
