Winter Weather Brings Snow and High Winds to Chicago Area
Introduction to the Storm
Many in the Chicago area Monday morning woke up to snow-covered roads and high winds, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour possible after a cold front blew through northeast Illinois Sunday night.
According to the National Weather Service, a wind advisory was in effect for the entire Chicago area, and a winter weather advisory was in effect for Lake, McHenry, DeKalb and Kane Counties in Illinois, LaPorte County in Indiana and Kenosha County in Wisconsin.
Weather Warnings and Advisories
“Plan on slick road conditions,” the NWS said. “Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.”
The winter weather comes hours after tornado warnings, strong-to-severe thunderstorms and temperatures as high as 64 degrees. According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, a tornado may have touched down in Kankakee County, and one was confirmed in Iroquois County. NWS crews are expected to assess storm damage this week.
High Winds and Snowfall
As of 5 a.m. Monday, peak wind gusts had reached as high as 60 mph in some parts, the NWS said.
“You will feel those high winds,” NBC 5 traffic reporter Kye Martin warned drivers. “You can feel them shaking you, especially on north-south expressways, like the Edens.”
Martin described the rush hour commute as “dicey,” with drive times increasing and several crashes and spin-outs, including on I-90 at Randall Road, northbound I-294 at Sibley and a ramp crash on northbound I-294 to I-290.
Traffic cameras showed snow-covered roads, with street lights highlighting how strong the winds were.
Reduced Visibility and Challenging Commute
“Wind-whipped” snow showers reducing visibility in some parts, the NWS said, with officials in Lake and McHenry Counties warning of a “challenging” commute.
Temperatures had also plummeted Monday, dropping into the teens as light snow continued to fall and blow.
“We’re 40 degrees colder than we were 12 hours ago,” NBC 5 Storm Team Pete Sack said. “It’s 15 degrees right now. This was a nosedive for sure.”
Snow showers continue this morning. Strong westerly wind gusts over 45 mph are expected, allowing for the snow to be whipped around leading to periods of low visibilities as well as slick spots on roadways. #ILwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/WcPkGbjOCA
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) December 29, 2025
Forecast and Expected Conditions
The snow was expected to gradually come to an end in the mid-morning hours, Sack said, with accumulations up to an inch for some. The chilly temperatures will stick around, with readings in the 20s and low 30s for the first half of the week, and highs in the teens by New Years Day.
More snow chances were in the forecast Tuesday and Wednesday, with New Years Eve temperatures in the upper teens and even lower wind chills.
Conclusion
The winter weather brought significant challenges to the Chicago area, with high winds, snow, and reduced visibility making for a difficult commute. The cold temperatures are expected to stick around, with more snow chances in the forecast for the rest of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the weather conditions like in the Chicago area on Monday morning?
A: The Chicago area experienced snow-covered roads and high winds, with gusts up to 50 miles per hour possible after a cold front blew through northeast Illinois Sunday night.
Q: Were there any weather warnings or advisories in effect?
A: Yes, a wind advisory was in effect for the entire Chicago area, and a winter weather advisory was in effect for several counties in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
Q: How long is the snow expected to last?
A: The snow was expected to gradually come to an end in the mid-morning hours, with accumulations up to an inch for some areas.
Q: What are the expected temperatures for the rest of the week?
A: The chilly temperatures will stick around, with readings in the 20s and low 30s for the first half of the week, and highs in the teens by New Years Day.
