Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Chicago Amid East Coast Blizzard

Snow, wind chills, and hazardous travel conditions expected across the region this week.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Chicago area is bracing for a bout of winter weather, including snow showers, gusty winds, and hazardous travel conditions, as a major blizzard hits the East Coast. The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for parts of the region, warning of potential snow accumulations of 2-4 inches and slippery roads, especially during the Monday morning commute.

Why it matters

The winter weather in the Midwest comes as a powerful storm system slams the East Coast, with blizzard and winter storm warnings in effect from Pennsylvania to New York. The combination of snow, wind, and cold temperatures could make for treacherous conditions across a wide swath of the country, impacting travel and daily life for millions of Americans.

The details

According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, wind chill temperatures in the Chicago area were in the single digits on Monday morning, with lake effect snow falling and several more chances for snow throughout the week. The National Weather Service warned that untreated roads will likely be snow-covered and slippery, making for hazardous travel conditions. In Porter and Northern LaPorte Counties in Indiana, a winter weather advisory was in effect until 6 p.m., with the potential for an additional 2-4 inches of snow.

  • Early Monday morning, light snow showers were falling across much of northeastern Illinois.
  • The winter weather advisory for Porter and Northern LaPorte Counties in Indiana was in effect until 6 p.m. on Monday.
  • More snow chances are possible on Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, with temperatures expected to rise into the 40s by the weekend.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related advisories and warnings.

NBC 5 Storm Team

The weather forecasting team for NBC's Chicago affiliate, providing local weather updates and analysis.

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What they’re saying

“Untreated roads will likely be snow-covered and slippery, making for hazardous travel conditions.”

— National Weather Service

“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will be slick and hazardous in spots. The hazardous conditions are expected to impact the Monday morning commute.”

— National Weather Service

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the winter weather conditions and issue updates as necessary. Residents in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution when traveling and to stay informed of the latest weather forecasts.

The takeaway

The winter weather impacting the Chicago area is part of a broader storm system that is bringing significant snowfall and hazardous conditions to the East Coast. While the Midwest may not see the same level of accumulation, the combination of snow, wind, and cold temperatures can still make for treacherous travel and daily life disruptions. Staying informed and prepared for the changing weather conditions is crucial for residents in the affected regions.