Blizzard Conditions Slam Chicago Region

Hazardous snow and wind create travel disruptions across the area.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:23am

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A powerful winter storm is bringing blizzard conditions to parts of the Chicago region, with heavy snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches expected along with gusty winds. Hundreds of flights have already been canceled at the city's major airports, and bitter wind chills are forecast for tonight before a gradual warmup later in the week.

Why it matters

Chicago is no stranger to harsh winter weather, but this blizzard poses a significant threat to public safety and transportation across the region. The combination of heavy snow and high winds can make driving treacherous and lead to power outages, while the extreme cold temperatures increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for McHenry and DeKalb counties, with winter weather advisories in effect elsewhere. Snow totals are expected to range from 2 to 6 inches, with the highest amounts northwest of the city. Winds will gust up to 45 mph, creating whiteout conditions. Over 350 flights have already been canceled at O'Hare Airport, with an additional 23 cancellations reported at Midway.

  • The blizzard warning is in effect until 1 p.m. today.
  • Snow will gradually diminish but may not fully stop until very late in the day.
  • Winds will be at their strongest through midday.
  • Tonight will be blustery and very cold, with wind chills dipping well below zero.
  • Another 1-2 inches of snow is possible overnight.

The players

Mike Caplan

A meteorologist at Fox Chicago who provided information for this report.

National Weather Service

The government agency that issued the blizzard and winter weather advisories for the Chicago region.

Chicago Department of Aviation

The organization that oversees operations at O'Hare and Midway airports, where hundreds of flights have been canceled due to the storm.

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What they’re saying

“Today will be hazardous to say the least, especially in our northern and western counties and not much better anywhere else.”

— Mike Caplan, Meteorologist (Fox32Chicago.com)

What’s next

Tomorrow will be 20 degrees colder than normal for mid-March despite some mixed sun. Snow returns to the area overnight — perhaps another inch or two. Then we begin a warmup, with temperatures reaching the lower 40s on Wednesday and the 50s and 60s by the end of the week.

The takeaway

This blizzard is a stark reminder of the power of winter weather in Chicago and the need for residents to be prepared for hazardous conditions. While the snow and cold will eventually give way to a warmup, the disruptions to transportation and potential power outages underscore the importance of heeding weather warnings and taking appropriate safety precautions.