Ice Storm Warning: Freezing Rain Will Mean Dangerous Travel In IL

Ice accumulations could impact travel around the Chicago area Tuesday evening into Wednesday. The National Weather Service has issued an ice storm warning starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday and lasting until 6 a.m. Wednesday for Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, LaSalle, Lake, McHenry and Will counties.

The NWS said a wintry mix with freezing rain is expected, with snow and sleet accumulations at less than one inch and ice accumulations of one tenth to four-tenths of an inch expected, "with the highest ice amounts along and northwest of a line from Streator to Morris to Joliet to downtown Chicago."

The Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes will likely be impacted, according to the NWS. Roads are expected to be icy, as well as sidewalks and parking lots.

High winds could also bring downed tree limbs and power outages.

"Travel is strongly discouraged," the NWS said. "If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Snapped power lines and falling tree branches are also possible."

Drivers are advised to use extreme caution if they must travel, and homeowners should make sure they are prepared for power outages.

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