Blizzard Warning Issued for Parts of Chicago Area

Strong winds and heavy snow create hazardous travel conditions

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:19am

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A winter storm is bringing significant snowfall and gusty winds to the Chicago area, prompting a Blizzard Warning for several counties. The storm is expected to impact the morning rush hour, with whiteout conditions and up to 5 inches of snow possible. The Illinois Tollway has deployed its full fleet of plows to clear roads, and numerous flight cancellations have been reported at O'Hare and Midway airports.

Why it matters

Blizzard conditions can make travel extremely dangerous, leading to road closures, accidents, and flight disruptions. The storm is likely to have a major impact on commuters, travelers, and businesses in the Chicago metropolitan area.

The details

The Blizzard Warning is in effect for Boone, DeKalb, and McHenry counties until 1 p.m. Monday. These areas could see whiteout conditions at times, with snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches and winds gusting up to 45 mph. A Winter Weather Advisory is also in place for several other counties in the region. The Illinois Tollway has deployed its full fleet of 196 plows to clear roads and is using a brine solution along with road salt to help prevent ice from sticking. Numerous flight cancellations have been reported at O'Hare and Midway airports.

  • The storm is expected to impact the morning rush hour on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • The Blizzard Warning is in effect until 1 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Illinois Tollway

The state agency responsible for maintaining and operating the Illinois Tollway system, which includes several major highways in the Chicago metropolitan area.

Cassaundra Rouse

The Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway.

Tracy Butler

An ABC7 Accuweather Meteorologist who provided weather forecasting and analysis for the storm.

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What they’re saying

“Our crews will be working throughout this storm to keep our roads clear and safe so our customers can safely complete their travels.”

— Cassaundra Rouse, Illinois Tollway Executive Director

“The worst part of the storm will impact the morning rush hour. The storm will start winding down after about 8 a.m., with strong winds continuing to blow snow and reduce visibility.”

— Tracy Butler, ABC7 Accuweather Meteorologist

What’s next

The Illinois Tollway will continue to monitor road conditions and deploy additional plows as needed throughout the duration of the storm.

The takeaway

This blizzard is a stark reminder of the importance of preparing for severe winter weather in the Chicago area. Residents should heed weather warnings, avoid unnecessary travel, and be ready for potential power outages and school/business closures until the storm passes.