Winter storm leaves Chicago area roads covered in snow, leading to hazardous conditions
CHICAGO (CBS) – Rapidly falling snow with strong winds created dangerous conditions on the road, with some areas reporting whiteouts on Friday.
A winter storm warning has been issued for most of the CBS 2 viewing area until noon Saturday. Areas west of Chicago and near the Wisconsin border could see 6 to 12 inches. Areas south of the city can expect several inches of snow. According to the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), extreme cold is expected to follow.
Chicago's Department of Streets and Sanitation deployed over 287 plow trucks and salt spreaders to help prevent hazardous roadways in neighborhoods, bridges, and overpasses.
Officials reminded drivers to yield to those tucks and spreaders, and they can view the snow fleets in real-time by visiting the City of Chicago's website.
Maria Castaneda with the Illinois Department of Transportation said all roads are snow-covered, especially areas south of the I-80 corridor. She advised people to work from home or take public transportation if they must be outside. She urged drivers to allow extra travel time and go slow.
CBS 2's Mugo Odigwe reported from the Mobile Weather Lab on Route 59 in Plainfield that roads were packed with snow, also causing whiteout conditions.
In Joliet, at least 2 inches of snow has landed on streets and sidewalks by daybreak.
Lake Shore Drive Reroute
Due to roadway conditions, CTA buses were rerouted from outer DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The following bus routes were affected:
Road Closures
CBS 2's Kris Habermehl reported delays due to road conditions.
On westbound I-88 before Orchard Road, two jackknifed semi-trucks were left on the pavement and partially in a ditch along with some cars – leaving all lanes blocked.
A vehicle crash on southbound I-355 past 63rd blocked two lanes. Another multi-car crash on southbound I-294 past Dempster involving a jackknifed dump truck closed two lanes.
It was unclear whether there were any injuries.
Check back for updates.