Freezing Drizzle, Snowfall Expected to Cause 'Messy' Friday Commute

The National Weather Service warns of hazardous travel conditions due to a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Overnight freezing drizzle paired with bursts of snowfall in the early hours of Friday morning is expected to leave roads slick and cause a 'messy' morning commute, according to the National Weather Service. Snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches is possible, with the highest rates of snowfall peaking around 1 inch per hour between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. Motorists are urged to plan for extra time to reach their destination on Friday morning, especially east of Interstate 39 where the worst road conditions are expected.

Why it matters

Freezing drizzle and snowfall can create hazardous driving conditions, leading to increased risk of accidents and delays during the morning rush hour. This type of wintry weather is common in the Chicago area during the winter months, but it can still pose a significant challenge for commuters.

The details

The National Weather Service is forecasting a 'wintry mix' of snow, sleet, and freezing rain on Friday morning that is expected to build upon a 'glaze of ice' left behind by overnight freezing drizzle. This combination of weather conditions is likely to leave roads slick and make travel hazardous. The snowfall is expected to start after 2 a.m. and continue until 9 a.m., with the highest rates of accumulation between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.

  • Overnight freezing drizzle is expected.
  • Snowfall is expected to start after 2 a.m. and continue until 9 a.m. on Friday.
  • The highest rates of snowfall, peaking around 1 inch per hour, are expected between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Friday.

The players

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service is a government agency that provides weather forecasts and warnings to the public.

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What they’re saying

“Motorists are urged to plan for extra time to reach their destination Friday morning.”

— National Weather Service (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the weather conditions and provide updates throughout the day on Friday.

The takeaway

This wintry weather event highlights the importance of checking weather forecasts and adjusting travel plans accordingly to ensure safety on the roads during the morning commute.