'Extraordinarily Dangerous' Travel Conditions In Blizzard Warning

A winter storm warning will be replaced with a “blizzard warning” starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, continuing until midnight, with heavy snowfall and accumulation of up to 18 inches in some areas, according to the National Weather Service, which also warns of “dangerous” travel conditions.

“Travel conditions will be extraordinarily dangerous to even life-threatening across the Blizzard Warning area. Postpone all non-emergency travel until Monday,” the NWS warns.

• Emergency Closing Center: Chicago-Area School, Daycare, Businesses, Libraries

Blizzard conditions will develop late Sunday afternoon, continuing into the evening. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are possible Sunday afternoon, and the combination of falling and blowing snow will frequently reduce visibility to near zero in white-out conditions late in the afternoon and evening, according to the NWS.

The north suburbs will see heavy snowfall in the early afternoon. The Interstate 80 corridor is an area of particular concern for blizzard and near-blizzard conditions late afternoon. The Lake Michigan lakeshore could see flooding, the NWS warns.

“Snow-covered roads will make travel difficult. By afternoon ... the combination of the snow and very strong winds will make travel extraordinarily dangerous,” the NWS said in the warning.

The NWS urged residents to travel only in an emergency. If you must travel, check your car battery, tires and washer fluid, and carry a blanket, food and water, flashlight and a shovel, the NWS said.

“If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you,” the NWS said in the warning. “If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.”

ROAD CONDITION INFO

Call 1-800-452-4368 or go to GettingAroundIllinois.com

• Subscribe to News Alerts » Look for your Patch community

WATCH TODAY’S NWS UPDATE