CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Federal forecasters are warning that a powerful late December winter storm is expected to rapidly intensify beginning Sunday, bringing heavy snow, hazardous ice, whiteout conditions, and dangerously cold wind chills across Illinois, the Great Lakes, and into the Northeast through Monday. The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) has begun issuing Key Messages highlighting the likelihood of treacherous travel conditions across multiple regions.
The storm is forecast to strengthen quickly over the Northern Plains and Midwest before tracking through the Great Lakes, spreading a wide range of high-impact winter hazards across several states, including Illinois.
Strong, Multi-Hazard Winter Storm Takes Shape
Meteorologists say the developing system will rapidly intensify as it moves east, producing multiple weather hazards simultaneously. This includes heavy snow, blowing snow, freezing rain, and strong winds, creating dangerous conditions for both drivers and first responders.
Illinois sits near the southern edge of the heaviest snow potential but remains firmly within the storm’s impact zone. Even moderate snowfall combined with increasing winds could significantly reduce visibility, especially on open roadways and interstates…