Winter Weather Advisory and Winter Weather Watch

WHAT: A Winter Weather Advisory and a Winter Weather Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago.

WHEN: The ADVISORY is in effect Friday, January 30 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and

the WATCH is in effect Friday afternoon through late Friday night.

WHERE: Central Cook and Southern Cook Counties

IMPACTS: Roads will likely become slick and hazardous. Dangerous conditions will likely impact the Friday AM and PM commutes. Visibilities may drop below a ¼ mile due to falling and blowing snow. Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for Illinois can be obtained at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. For additional information, visit http://www.weather.gov

WHAT TO EXPECT: A burst of accumulating snow is expected mid-to-late Friday morning through early afternoon. The snow during this period may briefly fall at a rate of up to 1" per hour and make for slick travel conditions. On Friday afternoon and into the evening, an intense band of heavy lake effect snow will develop over southern Lake Michigan and may impact portions of central and southern Cook county near the lake for a period Friday evening before focusing eastward into northwestern Indiana later Friday night.

While the timeline of the lake effect band over Cook county may only be 3 to 5 hours, the potential for heavy snow rates of 2+ inches per hour could result in localized accumulations exceeding 6 inches, particularly near the lake from the city southward. Residents should monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

NOTE: During lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will work closely with the National Weather Service (NWS) to monitor weather conditions 24/7 and alert the public if conditions worsen..

For Weather Updates Download the Chicago OEMC App

For Winter safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information, DSS Snowplow Tracker and. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar and public safety information as well. Download the app through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit, Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Cold-Weather Tips

• Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have necessary supplies on-the-go. Keep in mind, disabled vehicles or distracted driving can cause accidents, impact traffic and others or requiring emergency services.
• Residents should know the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia. For Winter preparation information visit, Chicago.gov/OEMC for details and links to other local, state, and federal resources.
• Avoid unnecessary trips outside. If you must go out, limit the time you stay outside.
• Wear several layers of loose, warm cloth.
• Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoor.
• Stay dry because moisture can damage the insulation effectiveness of clothing.
• Pay extra attention to your daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high energy foods, drink warm beverages to help your body stay warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages.

Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices, issues affecting businesses or events:

• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT "CHILAKE" to 7-8-0-1-5

• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT "CHIBIZ" to 6-7-2-8-3

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, we encourage residents to download the Chicago OEMC app, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Sign-up to receive Notify Chicago alerts Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook(@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).