January 6th 2025.
As the holiday season comes to an end, Illinoisans are getting ready to head back to work. However, their return may be met with some extra challenges. A major snowstorm has recently struck the central United States, causing disruption and chaos. And as if that wasn't enough, more snow is expected to hit the northeastern part of Illinois, particularly in Lake County, with possible accumulations of 3 to 5 inches. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for travel in this area, as the snow is expected to blow in on Sunday night and continue until noon on Monday. As the day progresses, the snow band will move south towards Chicago, potentially dropping another 1 to 3 inches of snow. Lee Carlow, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, explains that the lake-effect snow bands are not constant and may weaken throughout the day. By Tuesday morning, the snow is expected to dissipate in northwest Indiana.
The phenomenon of lake-effect snow occurs when cold and dry air from the north passes over warmer bodies of water, picking up moisture and heat. With the Great Lakes experiencing warmer temperatures due to climate change, their increased snow effect has become a reality. This has caused significant disruptions in the central United States, with major roadways in Kansas, western Nebraska, and parts of Indiana being covered in snow and ice. The National Guard has been activated to assist stranded motorists. As the storm moves towards the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic states, a hard freeze is expected even in Florida.
While Illinois may have been spared from the worst parts of the storm, winter weather advisories have been issued for some counties. These advisories are put in place when hazardous weather conditions are expected, but do not meet the criteria for a warning. Lee Carlow explains that these advisories are usually issued for events with snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, as they can still cause significant disruptions in a short period of time. The National Weather Service suggests taking extra precautions when traveling, such as allowing for more time, driving slowly, and increasing the distance between vehicles. However, the lake-effect snow bands can be unpredictable and may vary in intensity and location, especially in the Chicago area.
As the week progresses, colder temperatures are expected to continue, with below-normal highs and lows. The average high for this time of year is in the low 30s, but the temperatures are expected to remain in the 20s. Another snow system is also possible towards the end of the week. In preparation for the cold weather, the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services has opened warming centers in six community service centers and over 200 public facilities. These centers are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and provide a warm place for anyone seeking shelter from the cold. Senior citizens can also visit one of the 21 senior centers across the city, while other options include Chicago Public Library locations, Park District locations, and City Colleges of Chicago during designated hours. The city's Homeless Outreach and Prevention teams are also working to connect homeless individuals with shelter and other resources, and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications encourages residents to check on their loved ones during these harsh weather conditions.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
