“It might look fine when you leave, but a few miles away, heavy snow could be piling up fast,” the Illinois Department of Transportation warned as Chicago and Northwest Indiana woke to a winter landscape that brought both beauty and chaos. Overnight, lake-effect snow pounded the region, creating hazardous driving conditions, multiple crashes, and significant travel disruptions throughout the city and suburbs.
By early Monday morning, some communities had already been buried under more than 10 inches of snow. Crown Point, Indiana, measured 10 inches, Momence, Illinois, hit 12 inches, and Cedar Lake, India, reported 12.3 inches. Even Waukegan saw 8 inches by 7 a.m., while lighter totals fell at O’Hare and Midway airports. In the hardest-hit zones, snowfall rates reached 2 to 3 inches per hour, driven by gusty winds that pushed wind chills into the teens.
The storm’s impact on the roads was immediate and inte, ns, with a multi-vehicle crash shutting down northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive near Oakwood Boulevard around 6:30 a.m., backing up traffic for miles before lanes reopened about an hour later. Indiana State Police Sgt. Glen Fifield said troopers had already responded to more than 50 calls for service in Northwest Indiana by sunrise. Poor visibility and icy surfaces left vehicles stranded in ditches on expressways like I-65 and I-57. A semi-truck in Gary became stuck on train tracks and was struck by a freight train after the driver escaped to safety.
Public transportation and air travel were also affected. The CTA rerouted Route #147 buses because of the weather near Lake Shore Drive. At O’Hare International Airport, 231 flights were grounded by 4 a.m. Monday morning delays averaged 24 minutes. Midway reported 130 cancellations and 15-minute delays. Coupled with the FAA’s reduced operations this week, over 400 flights were axed Sunday alone, sending travelers scrambling for alternatives.
Schools across the region worked to keep students safe by adjusting schedules. While Chicago Public Schools remained open, overnight crews at the schools worked to clear snow and ensure buildings were warm and dry. Meanwhile, some Northwest Indiana and suburban Illinois districts canceled classes or transitioned to e-learning days. The Gary Community School Corporation was operating on a two-hour delay, encouraging families to “please exercise caution when navigating the storm.”
For those who have to drive, winter readiness is paramount. Experts recommend checking tire tread depth, topping off windshield washer fluid with a winter-grade formula, and keeping an emergency kit stocked with everything from blankets and snacks to a flashlight. Clearing all snow from the roof, hood, and lights before driving not only improves visibility but also prevents dangerous chunks of ice from flying off at highway speeds.
Staying safe isn’t just about the roads. In extreme cold, layering up, wearing insulated s, and covering exposed skin can help avoid frostbite. Keep a charged phone on hand and let someone know your route for an added layer of safety. For residents digging out at home, short-interval shoveling and pushing snow rather than lifting heavy loads minimizes strain.
City crews are working around the clock with over 250 salt spreaders out on arterial streets and DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Still, with snow showers lingering into the afternoon and warnings in effect for multiple counties, officials urge patience and caution. As one Gary plow driver put it, Right when we got finished, round two hit. So this is basically round three for us. If the early arrival caught some off guard, for many Chicagoans, it’s a familiar reminder that winter can be highly unpredictable; one must be prepared ahead of time before the next round moves in.
