Chicago residents, brace yourselves: This Thursday brings a mix of snow, icy conditions, and dangerously cold temperatures in advance of a fierce winter storm. Meteorologists are calling this weather a fast and nasty storm that will disrupt the city and surrounding area travel, commutes, and everyday activities.
Here’s what you need to know to be prepared for this powerful winter blast.
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What to Expect: A Fast-Moving Snowstorm
Ahead of the incoming storm, the Chicago area is preparing for the National Weather Service to issue weather advisories. It’s expected to arrive late Thursday morning or early afternoon, dropping heavy snow that will make for slippery conditions.
- Snowfall Accumulation: The storm is expected to dump between 3 and 6 inches of snow on Chicago, and areas could pick up as much as a foot. Snow will record heavy and wet, creating slick and hazardous street situations.
- Timing: Beginning around noon Thursday, snow will start to fall. It will intensify in the afternoon. Just as commuters head out on their nightly drive, the heaviest snow is predicted to fall between 2 PM and 6 PM. Later Thursday, snow should taper off, but conditions could stick around into Friday morning as residual ice.
- Wind and Visibility: Gusty winds of up to 25-30 mph will also blow snow, cut visibility, and reduce travel even more. During the height of the storm, expect whiteout conditions, particularly in some areas.
Impacts on Travel: Be Prepared for Delays and Disruptions
If you are going out and about on Thursday’s snowstorm, you need to get ready for potentially treacherous conditions. Snow and ice are accumulating rapidly, and local authorities warn the roads could get slick and dangerous.
- Driving: Visibility will be poor and roads will be slippery. Extreme caution should be exercised by drivers, and unnecessary travel should be avoided during the snow’s heaviest fall. If you do have to drive, make absolutely sure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires and that you have an emergency kit handy.
- Public Transportation: Specifically during the afternoon hours of the snowstorm, Metra and CTA services may be delayed or disrupted. Daily check the service updates, and you need to keep in mind that there can be additional travel time.
- Airport Delays: There are also expected delays at Midway and O’Hare airports, with cancellations possible as the snowstorm approaches. Also, if you’re flying Thursday, make sure your flight is confirmed before you head to the airport.
Safety Tips: Stay Warm, Stay Safe
Chicago may have some experience with snowstorms, but this one is a doozy and will likely cause major problems for anyone caught in its path. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Stay Indoors When Possible: Don’t travel during the storm’s prime. If you’re not really going out, then stay home and stay cozy.
- Dress in Layers: When you have to leave your house, try to protect yourself by dressing in many layers of hat, scarf, glove, and/or boot to keep you from getting blown by the biting cold and wind chill.
- Clear Your Sidewalks: But property owners should be prepared to clear snow and ice from walkways as soon as possible. Clearing snow in Chicago isn’t just polite—it’s the law. Snow and ice might not be removed, and there could be fines.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Wet snow with high winds may cause some areas to suffer power outages. Ensure that you have those backup supplies, such as batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable food, on hand.
- Monitor Local Weather Alerts: Keep an eye on local news stations and weather apps and listen to the National Weather Service for current warnings, watches, and advisories for the weather so you stay informed because the weather does change fast.
Why Is This Storm So Deadly?
Because of how fast this storm will come together and how intense it will be, Chicago is being called ‘nasty.’ Snowfall accumulations of a foot or more over the mountains and 2 to 4 feet across the higher elevations, combined with high winds and cold temperatures, will result in extremely hazardous conditions on the roads, especially during the evening rush hour.
This storm will drop heavy snow over a short period, making roads slick and visibility poor, unlike more gradual snow machines that leave motorists plenty of time to get used to it. Snowing wet, slushy snow will quickly freeze into ice patches that may be as dangerous as the snow.
Looking Ahead: A Cold Aftermath
By Thursday evening, the snowstorm should be out of the way, but Chicago will still be struggling with a cold aftermath. Overnight, temperatures will be in the teens, and wind chills could be even colder. The chill is expected to hang around into Friday, with a bitter start to a morning commute.
The snowstorm will push through quickly, and cold and icy conditions will hang around through the end of the week, so make sure your winter gear is in reserve.
Conclusion: It Snowed—Don’t Let the Snow Catch You Off Guard
Ahead of Thursday’s snowstorm, it’s important to plan and prepare to keep yourself safe and comfortable. The ‘quick-hitting, nasty’ snowstorm has the potential to leave ice, and strong winds as travelers and residents of this area brace for potentially hazardous driving conditions. Know what’s happening, prepare, and most importantly, stay safe.
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