Heavy Rain and Thunder Expected for Friday Morning Commute
The NBC 5 Storm Team is warning of heavy rain and rumbles of thunder throughout the Friday morning commute, with some slick spots expected and low visibility due to fog.
Stay Safe on the Roads
The National Weather Service (NWS) is advising drivers to plan for extra travel time and be alert for areas of suddenly changing and/or sharply reduced visibility. To stay safe, slow down, increase following distance, and use low beams when driving in dense fog.
Latest Update from NWS Chicago
[4:30AM 1/31] Areas of dense fog will persist through past sunrise across the area. Plan for extra travel time and be alert for areas of suddenly changing and/or sharply reduced visibility. Slow down, increase following distance, use low beams when driving in dense fog. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/CT2d911vOu – NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago)
Forecast from NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes
NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes is advising drivers to be mindful of the dense fog ahead of heavy rain expected to move in as the Friday morning commute begins. By around 7 a.m., rain, heavy at times, is expected to develop and last through around 2 p.m., Jeanes said. Some rumbles of thunder were also possible, he added.
Air Travel Alerts
During the morning hours, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned that ground stops at both O’Hare and Midway International Airports were possible due to weather conditions.
Flooding Concerns
The heavy rain could lead to localized flooding. According to the NWS, a flood watch is in effect through 3 p.m. Friday for nearly all counties in the Chicago area and some in Northwest Indiana.
Track the Heavy Rain
Track the heavy rain across the Chicago area using the live Chicago radar below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the forecast for the Friday morning commute?
A: Heavy rain and rumbles of thunder are expected throughout the morning commute, with some slick spots expected and low visibility due to fog.
Q: What should I do to stay safe on the roads?
A: Plan for extra travel time, be alert for areas of suddenly changing and/or sharply reduced visibility, and slow down, increase following distance, and use low beams when driving in dense fog.
Q: Are there any travel alerts for air travelers?
A: Yes, the FAA has warned of ground stops at both O’Hare and Midway International Airports due to weather conditions.
Q: Is there a risk of flooding?
A: Yes, a flood watch is in effect through 3 p.m. Friday for nearly all counties in the Chicago area and some in Northwest Indiana.
