Ice-Covered Highways, Sidewalks Pose Hazardous Conditions Across Chicago Area
Winter Weather Advisory Continues Through 6 a.m. for Northeastern Illinois
It may look dry out there, but it’s icy, with sheets of ice encasing untreated sidewalks and roadways across the area as a winter weather advisory continues through 6 a.m. for all of Northeastern Illinois.
Accidents and Treacherous Conditions Reported
The icy surfaces come hours after sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and snow fell across the region Wednesday night and overnight, leading to cars spinning off highways and treacherous walking conditions.
“Earlier this morning, cars slid right off the road, hitting trees and fences,” NBC 5’s Lisa Chavarria reported, showing videos and photos from the Edens Expressway at Tower Road in the northern suburbs. Chavarria also warned that parking lots and sidewalks near apartments and homes across the area looked like “ice skating rinks.”
National Weather Service Warns of Hazardous Conditions
Late Wednesday, the National Weather Service warned drivers to consider postponing non-essential travel due to the hazardous conditions.
“There have been numerous accidents on icy roads, some serious,” the NWS said, adding that roads that appear clear can in fact be very slippery.
Illinois Department of Transportation Reports Icing in Multiple Suburbs
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s “Getting Around Illinois” winter road conditions map, multiple suburbs were seeing areas of icing Thursday, especially in parts to the northwest and southeast including Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Tinley Park, Joliet, Berwyn, and Chicago Heights, where ice could be seen covering roads and cars.
Office of Emergency Management and Communications Warns Residents
In Chicago, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications warned residents to “take it slow and don’t rush.”
“Slick is an understatement this morning on sidewalks and side streets!,” the OEMC said.
School Closures and Delays Reported
According to the Emergency Closing Center, several area schools reported closures or delayed starts for Thursday, including District 1 in Momence, City of Hobart Schools, and Tri-creek School Corporation in Lowell. A full list of school closures and delayed starts for the Chicago area can be found here.
Forecast: Freezing Drizzle to Gradually Taper Off
Freezing drizzle may fall at times early Thursday, NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman said, though it will gradually taper off by daybreak. Temperatures were expected to remain below freezing until at least 8 a.m., which will keep things slick through parts of the morning commute.
“We’ll need to wait until we get above freezing for things to thaw,” Roman warned. “A little glaze of ice out there could cause havoc on area roadways that are not treated.”
Ice Accumulations Reported
Roman reported ice accumulations in some parts, including Sugar Grove, as high as.14 inches. At O’Hare International Airport,.13 inches of ice was recorded, with.12 inches of ice accumulation at Midway International Airport, and.10 inches of ice in Waukegan.
Conclusion
The winter weather advisory continues through 6 a.m. for all of Northeastern Illinois, with hazardous conditions reported across the area. Residents are advised to take it slow and be cautious on icy roads and sidewalks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What areas are affected by the winter weather advisory?
A: The winter weather advisory continues through 6 a.m. for all of Northeastern Illinois.
Q: What are the road conditions like?
A: Icy surfaces have been reported across the area, with multiple suburbs seeing areas of icing.
Q: Are there any school closures or delays?
A: Yes, several area schools have reported closures or delayed starts for Thursday. A full list can be found here.
Q: What is the forecast for the rest of the day?
A: Freezing drizzle may fall at times early Thursday, but it will gradually taper off by daybreak. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing until at least 8 a.m.
