Lake Effect Snow Machine Turns on Chicago, Dumping More Than Half a Foot

Lake effect snow made for a rough morning Friday. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)Lake effect snow made for a rough morning Friday. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)

An intense band of lake effect snow socked the Chicago region during Friday’s morning commute, with totals of 8 or more inches expected in some parts of the area, according to the National Weather Service.

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With snow falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, the agency advised people to avoid all non-essential travel. Illinois State Police reported numerous accidents on expressways, snarling traffic.

As the band continued to shift, the weather service warned of a possible pivot toward downtown Chicago.

As with any lake effect event, snow totals varied widely, with observers reporting upward of 7 inches in Wilmette and Downers Grove seeing less than an inch.

The snow is expected to taper off later in the day on Friday, with a warmup on the way for Monday.





Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]

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