On February 12, 2025, people in the Chicago area are bracing for a severe winter storm that will bring several inches of snow, extensive travel disruptions, and cold temperatures. With several school closures, travel cancellations, and extreme weather alerts issued, the storm—which is predicted to persist until Thursday morning—is already having an effect on daily routines.
Forecast for Snowfall and Winter Weather Advisories
Three to six inches of snow are expected to cover the region, with some areas close to the Wisconsin border potentially receiving more than six inches, according to meteorologists.
The Wednesday afternoon commute will be impacted by the snowstorm, which is expected to peak between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for numerous counties in Illinois and Indiana, including Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, and Will counties. Meanwhile, the areas of Racine and Kenosha in Wisconsin are under a Winter Storm Warning, signaling even more intense snowfall.
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Travel conditions in the Chicago metro area will be dangerous, particularly in the evening when slippery roadways may cause serious delays and accidents. Snow is expected to last until the evening and might turn into freezing drizzle in the afternoon.
School Closures and Other Impacted Services
Parents and caregivers are having a difficult day as scores of schools throughout the region have announced closures due to the winter storm. For a complete list of Chicago-area school closings, residents can refer to local news and official websites.
In addition to school disruptions, O’Hare and Midway airports have already seen flight cancellations, with over 60 flights grounded as of 8:30 a.m. Additionally, the storm has spurred warnings from local officials, including the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel.
Advice for Remaining Secure Throughout the Storm
Everyone in the Chicago area should take the following safety measures as the storm intensifies:
Clear Snow from Sidewalks: In order to guarantee pedestrian safety, homeowners should clear snow from sidewalks.
Avoid Needless go: Remain at home if you don’t have to go. If you must drive, drive gently and with caution.
Winter Emergency Kit: Make sure your automobile has a winter emergency kit with water, snacks, and blankets.
Look for any updates: Stay informed by following weather updates from local news stations or weather apps to track the storm’s progress.
The Big Chill: After the Snow, Temperatures Will Drop
After the storm passes, locals should anticipate extremely chilly weather, with wind chills between 5 and -5 degrees. It will remain extremely cold into Thursday, making it a severe winter day throughout the area.
Looking Ahead: There Will Be More Snow
More snow is on the horizon, even though this storm is predicted to be among the strongest of the season. A possible storm that could deliver even more snow to the Chicago area on Saturday is being watched by forecasters.
Ahead of the snowstorm, schools in the Chicago area announce closures and a switch to online learning.
On February 12, 2025, schools in the Chicago region are getting ready for a difficult day as the season’s largest snowstorm draws near.
In order to keep students and staff safe, many schools have opted to cancel classes or switch to online learning as the snow is predicted to get worse in the afternoon.
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Details of the Winter Weather Advisory and Snowstorm
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory that will be in force from Wednesday at 9 a.m. CST to Thursday at 3 a.m. CST.
The snowstorm is expected to start lightly in the morning, but conditions will worsen by midday, leading to heavier snowfall in the afternoon and evening.
Fox 32 meteorologists are predicting that 3 to 6 inches of snow will accumulate across the area, with snow tapering off during the overnight hours.
Closing of Schools and Changes in E-Learning
Many schools in Cook, DuPage, Will, and Kankakee counties have cancelled in-person courses or switched to virtual learning for the day in reaction to the storm. For a complete list of school closures and e-learning schedules, parents and students are advised to check local news outlets and school district websites.
The afternoon commute will be difficult.
The evening commute will see the most snowfall, making driving very dangerous. Conditions will worsen and snow will build up quickly, increasing the risk of sloppy roadways, low visibility, and delays.
It is recommended that residents avoid traveling too much in the afternoon and evening.
Clearing skies and chilly temperatures
Temperatures will stay cold once the snow stops, with highs barely rising into the mid-20s. The region will have a cold night as nightly lows drop into the teens. The skies will clear on Thursday, but the cold will continue.
In summary, are you prepared for the winter storm?
Residents of the Chicago area are being asked to act immediately as they get ready for the effects of this winter storm. Staying educated and safe is crucial, whether you’re staying warm indoors or brave the weather for work.
What are your plans during this winter storm? Are you ready for the snow and cold? Share your thoughts and tips with us, and let’s stay safe together through this winter weather challenge.