Winter Weather Advisory extended for Chicago area, Illinois
Winter weather slammed the Chicago area early Monday morning, with blizzard warnings in effect for some outlying areas.
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Laura Bannon is the weekday morning meteorologist. A native of Chicagoland, Laura grew up in Naperville. She is an Emmy-nominated meteorologist and holds her NWA Seal of Approval.
Upon graduating Neuqua Valley High, Laura attended the University of Missouri. While completing a degree in communication at Mizzou, Laura attended Mississippi State University distance program and obtained a Bachelors of Science in Geosciences.
In college, Laura landed her first on air job in Jefferson City, Missouri. Laura worked weekends at KRCG her senior year and secured her first full time broadcasting job at WBBJ in Jackson, Tennessee. From there, Laura went on to serve on weather teams in Wichita, Kansas; Dallas; Nashville; and currently Chicago, experiencing a variety of severe weather markets across the country.
Laura has covered many severe weather outbreaks. One weather event she'll never forget is the 2020 Nashville tornado. Laura was the meteorologist on duty when an EF-3 tornado ripped through downtown Nashville, killing 24 people. Laura and her team were nominated for a 2020 Emmy in the Breaking News category for their extensive coverage.
Along with the weather, one of Laura's passions is helping others with disabilities. In each of her residencies, she has volunteered at therapeutic horseback riding centers. An equestrian since a young girl, Laura uses her knowledge to assist children with physical, emotional, and behavioral disabilities learn how to ride horses. She has found it to be a life-changing experience working one on one with these children and watching their progress week after week.
After work, Laura enjoys working out, going to the gym daily, training for Cross Fit events and taking long walks outside.
Winter weather slammed the Chicago area early Monday morning, with blizzard warnings in effect for some outlying areas.
Strong wind gusts tore through the Chicago area on Friday, knocking out power to thousands, taking down trees, and even tearing the roof off of a north suburban school.
Two people died after tornado touchdowns in Kankakee, Illinois, and Northwest Indiana on Tuesday night. So far, the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 in Jasper County and an EF-3 in Aroma Park.
Emergency crews are assessing damage after a tornado touched down, damaging homes in Kankakee, Illinois, amid an outbreak of severe weather.
Two rounds of storms are hitting the Chicago area on Friday. Here's what you can expect.
Heavy lake-effect snow is falling in Chicago, where the weather forecast calls for it to continue through Friday evening. Then the system will move to Northwest Indiana overnight.
Dangerously cold temperatures returned to the Chicago weather forecast Monday, a day after a winter storm dumped snow totaling over six inches on much of the area.
Chicago temperatures plunged well below zero Friday morning, with some places feeling as cold as -40 degrees. While an Extreme Cold Warning has expired, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect until Saturday morning.
An Extreme Cold Warning starts overnight as an Arctic front will bring the coldest weather the Chicago area has seen since 2019.
A quick round of snow is expected Friday morning with most areas picking up less than an inch of accumulation.
Lake effect snow will impact areas in Northwest Indiana on Thursday.
Northwest Indiana could see over six inches of lake-effect snow by Thursday morning, while a snow squall snarled Chicago's Wednesday morning commute.
A flash flood warning has been issued until 10 p.m. for central Cook County, DuPage County, and northwestern Will County.
Chicago started the last Monday morning of 2025 with nasty wind and snow.
Chicago weather this weekend will be frigid, with wind chills pushing temperatures below zero into the double digits.