by Chicago, Illinois – As a powerful winter storm approaches the region, dozens of schools across the Chicago area have announced closures, delays, or e-learning schedules for Monday, with forecasters warning of dangerous to impossible travel conditions overnight and into the morning commute.
Dozens of School Closures Announced
According to the Emergency Closing Center, numerous public, private, and charter schools in Cook, Lake, and Kankakee counties have announced schedule changes in preparation for the storm.
Among the public schools, several districts including Evanston Township High School, Alsip-Hazelgreen-Oak Lawn District 126, and Glenbrook North and South High Schools will operate on delayed schedules, while others such as Crete-Monee School District 201-U and Thornton Fractional High Schools (District 215) are moving to e-learning.
Private institutions including Loyola Academy and Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette, and Christian Heritage Academy in Northfield, have also announced closures or online instruction.
At the college level, Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago will be closed Monday, while both Purdue University Northwest campuses — Hammond and Westville — will switch to e-learning.
Winter Storm Warning in Effect
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Cook, Kankakee, and Lake counties in Illinois, and Lake, LaPorte, and Porter counties in northwest Indiana.
“Dangerous to impossible travel conditions are expected due to lake effect snow,” the NWS warned, noting snowfall rates could exceed three inches per hour, with total accumulations surpassing 12 inches in some areas.
Winds gusting up to 35 mph will further reduce visibility, creating whiteout conditions in open areas. Officials are advising residents to avoid nonessential travel and prepare for power outages caused by heavy, wet snow and downed power lines.
Impact on Communities
City and county officials are deploying salt trucks and snowplows across key routes, prioritizing highways like I-90, I-94, and I-294, as well as local emergency corridors. The Illinois Department of Transportation has urged commuters to work from home if possible and allow extra travel time.
Meanwhile, community shelters are opening across the Chicago metro area to assist vulnerable residents and those without reliable heat.
“With the amount of snow expected and the freezing winds, it’s best for families to stay home and off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” said an NWS meteorologist.
Residents Urged to Stay Safe
Officials recommend keeping emergency kits in vehicles, including blankets, flashlights, food, and water. Those traveling should monitor real-time updates from the Illinois State Police and Emergency Closing Center for the latest closure and road information.
Temperatures are expected to remain in the teens and low 20s through Tuesday morning, marking one of the coldest early-season systems in recent years for the region.
Will you be impacted by the storm or school closures? Share your experience and weather updates in the comments at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
