Chicago is gearing up for a messy night as freezing rain and ice are expected to blanket the area, making roads dangerous and putting power lines at risk. Officials are urging residents to stay safe, drive carefully, and be ready for possible disruptions.
What’s Coming and When
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory, warning of freezing rain and icy conditions from Wednesday evening until early Thursday morning. The freezing rain is expected to hit the southern suburbs by late afternoon and move into the city during the evening hours. The worst of the storm is likely between 8 p.m. and midnight.
While the icy rain will start tapering off after midnight, any untreated surfaces—roads, bridges, sidewalks—could stay slippery well into Thursday morning, making the commute potentially hazardous.
Why You Should Take This Seriously
Up to one-tenth of an inch of ice could coat the region. While that doesn’t sound like much, it’s enough to make roads slick, increase the risk of crashes, and weigh down power lines and tree branches. Ice storms can bring power outages quickly, and utility crews are already on alert.
What’s Being Done to Prepare
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is on top of things. Crews have been out treating highways and overpasses with salt and brine to reduce ice buildup. But even with the prep work, roads could still be dangerous if the freezing rain falls fast enough.
Meanwhile, ComEd is getting ready to deal with any power outages. Repair teams are standing by to respond quickly if ice-covered lines or falling branches knock out power.
How to Stay Safe
Authorities are recommending that people stay off the roads tonight if they can. If you do have to drive, slow down and give yourself plenty of room to stop. Black ice—often hard to see—will be a major risk, especially on bridges and ramps.
Pedestrians should also be careful. Sidewalks, steps, and parking lots could be slippery, so wear shoes with good traction and take it slow.
What’s Next
The good news is that temperatures should rise into the 40s by Thursday afternoon, which will help melt any leftover ice. But this might not be the last of winter’s tricks—another system could bring more freezing rain and snow over the weekend.
For now, it’s best to stay informed, stay indoors if possible, and be prepared for anything this icy weather throws at us.