Snow tapers off in Chicago as wind chill advisory continues

As light snow flurries gradually decrease on Saturday night, the National Weather Service is predicting “bitterly cold” temperatures in Chicago through Tuesday night, with wind chills as low as minus 30 degrees. The city is currently facing the aftermath of a heavy snowstorm that hit the region, causing disruptions and hazardous conditions.

The snowstorm, which began on Friday and continued into Saturday morning, left a significant impact on the area. Areas just east of Rockford along the Illinois-Wisconsin state line saw more than 13 inches of snow, while the west suburbs such as Roselle and Naperville recorded 7 and 6.5 inches of snowfall, respectively. In Chicago, Midway International Airport reported 5.8 inches of snow, with the lakefront area receiving as little as 1.7 inches.

As a result of the adverse weather conditions, the city’s two airports experienced numerous flight cancellations. O’Hare International Airport alone had 198 cancellations as of noon on Saturday, while Midway Airport saw 18 canceled flights, primarily on Southwest, its dominant carrier.

The snowy and icy conditions also led to traffic disruptions, with the Illinois State Police reporting a fatal crash on I-94 near the city’s south side. Additionally, around 770 ComEd customers were experiencing power outages, with 58 customers affected in Chicago.

Following the storm, the city deployed over 200 salt spreaders to clear snow and ice on residential streets. Despite these efforts, the National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory, with temperatures expected to plummet and wind chills reaching dangerous levels.

The current cold wave is notably stark in contrast to the warm start to winter in Chicago, which had been the third mildest season on record. Despite the snowstorm and subsequent cold front, city officials are focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, particularly migrants and homeless individuals. Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the city’s commitment to providing services and resources to keep all residents safe during this challenging winter season.

As Chicagoans brace for the frigid temperatures and hazardous conditions, the city continues to navigate the aftermath of the recent storm and prepares for the days ahead. The community is rallying together to assist those in need and ensure the safety of all individuals amidst these challenging weather conditions.

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