Black Ice Causes More Than 100 Crashes In Chicago Area

CHICAGO, IL — Black ice caused dozens of crashes throughout the Chicago area Wednesday morning. A Winter Weather Advisory was in effect for the region until 9 a.m. Freezing rain made morning commutes dangerous, with some authorities recommending drivers stay home and avoid expressways.

More than fifty crashes and spin-outs were reported throughout the early morning hours. Several jack-knifed semis were also reported on expressways, causing traffic jams.

Many crashes were reported on Interstate 294 in Western Springs. A southbound crash stopped traffic near Ogden Avenue around 6 a.m., according to multiple reports.

A 14-vehicle crash was reported in Markham near Interstate 57 and 158th street, according to NBC 5.

Illinois State Police warned commuters to "drive at lower speeds and be prepared for vehicles losing control around or ahead of you." Police also advised drivers not to go out on the roadways "unless absolutely necessary."

Many vehicles were involved in spin-outs and crashes on Interstate 80 near Tinley Park. Police blocked off westbound I-80 near the Harlem exit to salt dangerous black ice on the roadway.

A person was killed in a crash at 175th and LaGrange Road when a car and semi collided, according to Tinley Park Police. Traffic was blocked off in both directions.

Many crashes along I-80 and I-55 were reported, with multiple lanes blocked off throughout the expressways.

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