Chicago meteorologists forecast significant snowfall, high winds, and dangerous travel conditions for Christmas weekend.
According to reports by the National Weather Service on social media, experts advise travelers not to change to Chicago’s O’Hare or Midway International Airports during the Christmas rush. A hazardous storm system is heading towards the Midwest and could shut down roads throughout the region. On Thursday night, strong winds and snow are likely to strike hard. Full fledged blizzard conditions may be possible on Saturday.
NWS forecasts “difficult-to impossible travel” because of the low visibility, drifting snow and power outages caused by strong winds. WION News was told by Rick DiMaio, an adjunct professor at Lewis University in aviation meteorology. Chicago’s roads could be shut down until Friday. Snow is expected to fall due to winds gusting up to 40-50 mph with more than six inches.
According to another NWS post, significant lakeshore flooding is another threat to the region, particularly in Indiana. NWS warned that temperatures could fall to -30F Friday morning. This can lead to frostbite in animals and humans within 10-20 minutes.
The Chicago area receives weather reports almost every hour, including severe cold warnings. A major update from NWS is expected late Tuesday afternoon.
