A powerful storm is expected to impact the Chicago metro area, bringing the threat of severe weather and even tornadoes into Wednesday evening. As the storm moves through, cold air will quickly follow, potentially leading to a slippery Thursday morning commute in some areas, according to meteorologists at AccuWeather. The storm’s path will initially bring warm conditions with severe thunderstorms, followed by a rapid shift to colder temperatures and snow within a short span of time.
The greatest risk of severe weather, including possible tornadoes, will be concentrated near and south of Interstate 80/90 until Wednesday evening. This storm system will also bring heavy rain, strong winds, and large hail during the afternoon and evening rush hour in some neighborhoods. A northeast breeze from Lake Michigan may offer some protection to the lakefront and northern suburbs from the most intense thunderstorms.
After the storm passes to the east of the city Wednesday night, cold winds from the north will usher in colder air. While blizzard conditions are not expected to reach Chicago, there is a possibility of snow accumulation in the northern and western suburbs, potentially causing slick road conditions. Some snowfall may also affect downtown areas, making roads slushy and slippery, particularly during Thursday morning rush hour.
Travel delays are anticipated on roads and at O’Hare International Airport due to the storm’s impact. Passengers should prepare for potential flight delays and cancellations as a result of severe weather on Wednesday evening and icy conditions on runways Thursday morning. Strong winds on Thursday may temporarily worsen travel conditions before the snow begins to melt later in the day with the help of sunshine.
For enhanced safety and ad-free alerts, consider subscribing to AccuWeather’s Premium+ service on the app, which provides advanced and hyperlocal severe weather notifications. AccuWeather’s team of experts continuously monitors and evaluates weather risks to ensure you and your family stay informed and safe around the clock.
