A major winter storm has swept across Illinois, unleashing snow, sleet, and freezing rain, severely impacting road conditions and travel safety. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) crews are actively working to clear the treacherous roads, particularly affecting District 8, which includes St. Louis. Despite their efforts, hazardous conditions have persisted due to blowing snow, which complicates road treatment processes.
Joe Monroe, IDOT Operations official for the district, provided updates on the situation, noting the challenges faced by road crews. "The chemical treatments applied overnight are helping crews plow the roads, especially where cloud cover has helped retain pavement warmth," Monroe stated during his morning briefing. He emphasized the danger posed by highway ramps, where drifting snow accumulates and can obstruct traffic.
Monroe also advised drivers to be extremely cautious, stating, "We just really need to get the wind to calm down now. The snow has ceased, but blowing snow remains problematic." He outlined the department's priorities, explaining how freeway routes are typically cleared first, followed by ramps, which often present greater challenges for the maintenance teams.
For the safety of all road users, Monroe recommended if drivers find themselves stuck, they should try to move to the side of the road and contact law enforcement for assistance. The department has established dedicated emergency response teams positioned around major river crossings, ensuring access to necessary services remains unobstructed.
After enduring 22 hours of continuous snow removal operations, IDOT crews are working hard to keep the roads navigable. “We’re doing our best, but people need to allow enough distance from our trucks and be patient,” Monroe remarked, urging residents to stay off the roads if possible.
Other sources reported significant road issues statewide. Effingham Radio highlighted numerous accidents on I-70 between Effingham and Casey, as well as other areas. Local authorities continue to ask residents to stay home, noting the dangers posed by the winter weather.
Travelers faced disruptions at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where flights were heavily impacted by the weather. A ground-stop was issued from 7:45 AM, with delays averaging 48 minutes and over 90 flights canceled by 6:45 AM on the day of the storm. According to the National Weather Service, travel conditions would remain challenging due to the accumulation of ice and snow.
Forecasters indicated significant freezing rain and ice could lead to hazardous travel conditions extending through the afternoon. A winter weather advisory issued for parts of Lake, Cook, and DuPage Counties warned citizens to prepare for potentially hazardous travel up to 4 PM.
“Be prepared for variable road conditions; allow extra travel time and increase following distances,” the NWS tweeted, reminding residents to take precautions before heading out. Increased caution is particularly necessary, as even untreated surfaces could pose risks with layers of ice forming overnight.
Still, conditions differed across the state, with varied weather results from lake-effect snow and localized freezing drizzle. Areas around Lake County reported light but consistent snow, with indications of heavier accumulations expected throughout the morning and afternoon, potentially leading to dangerous driving conditions. Monroe noted, "During lake effect snow, the weather can vary greatly from heavy bands to drier conditions just miles apart, so be vigilant."
Reports from NBC 5 confirmed several incidents, citing spin-outs and accidents due to the deceptive road conditions resulting from the storm. Notably affected were the outbound lanes of I-290 and northbound/southbound lanes of I-294, raising concerns among local traffic reporters.
Illinois State Police have activated emergency snow plans, focusing on addressing the deteriorated condition of roads across central and southern Illinois. Gusty winds are contributing to blowing and drifting snow, leading to potential white-out scenarios on open and rural roads, according to early morning posts from the NWS.
Forecasts suggest snow could amount to 4 inches or more, significantly impacting commute times. Central and southern Cook County are expected to see the brunt of the snowfall later, with accompanying cold temperatures projected to linger throughout the week, possibly dropping as low as the 20s.
Looking forward, conditions are expected to remain predominantly dry after the storm with another chance for snow later on Friday. Residents are encouraged to keep up with the latest road conditions through IDOT’s website and to listen for local updates as agencies continue to manage the aftermath of this significant winter storm.