Lake-Effect Snow and Freezing Temperatures Hit Midwest Cities
Parts of the Midwest, including northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, are experiencing their first below-freezing temperatures and slushy lake-effect snow of the season. Winter Weather Advisories were issued as cold winds push moisture off the lake, creating potential road hazards on bridges and overpasses. Cities are preparing street crews while residents brace for daytime highs remaining in the low 40s.
What happened
- Thursday morning
Meteorologists track lake-effect rain in Northwest Indiana that gradually shifts toward the Illinois border [1].
- Friday midnight
A Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect for Cook, Will, and Lake counties until mid-morning [1].
- Friday morning
The region experiences its first below-freezing temperatures alongside slushy snow accumulations [1] [2].
- Saturday
Shifting winds spread lake-effect snow showers farther east into Michiana and South Bend [2].
What you need to know
Slushy snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected away from the immediate lakeshore [1].
Precipitation will land mostly on grass, car windshields, and rooftops [2].
Bridges and overpasses may become slippery, prompting overnight deployment of city snow plows [1].
College football fans attending the Notre Dame game on Saturday could see snow during tailgating and rain at kickoff [2].
Exact localized snow totals for specific towns outside the primary advisory zone remain uncertain. The timing and intensity of a potential cold stretch around Thanksgiving week also need further clarification as models develop.
Background
The arrival of lake-effect weather signals the first major drop into below-freezing territory for the region this autumn. Cool winds moving across warmer lake waters create isolated bands of rain and wet snow.
Municipalities in the path of the storm, including Chicago, are activating street clearing plans overnight to keep main thoroughfares and emergency transit routes open.
After the weekend freeze, temperatures are expected to moderate back into the 50s and near 60 degrees next week before another system approaches.
Questions people ask
Which areas are covered by the winter weather alert?
The advisory applies to Cook and Will counties in Illinois, as well as Lake County in Indiana.
How much snow will pile up?
Forecasts call for 1 to 3 inches of wet, slushy snow, primarily on elevated surfaces and grass away from the lake.
What weather is expected for Saturday's Notre Dame game?
Temperatures around 38 degrees with possible snow showers during tailgating, followed by potential rain at the 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
Where this came from
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