Blizzard Warning Issued for McHenry and De Kalb Counties; Whiteout Conditions Expected

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Blizzard Warning for portions of northern Illinois. The alert is classified as a high-severity event with blizzard conditions likely to occur during the effective window.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers the following geographic regions in Illinois:

• McHenry County
• De Kalb County

Expected Conditions

Residents should prepare for severe winter weather, including:

• Snow Accumulation: Total snow accumulations between 3 and 5 inches.
• Ice Accumulation: A light glaze of ice is expected.
• Wind Speeds: Wind gusts reaching as high as 45 mph.
• Visibility: Whiteout conditions are expected, which will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.
• Additional Impacts: Hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds may also bring down tree branches.

Timeline

The Blizzard Warning is effective starting at 10:00 PM CDT on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The warning is currently scheduled to expire at 1:00 PM CDT on Monday, March 16, 2026.

What You Should Do

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, ensure you have a winter survival kit with you. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle. A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are occurring or imminent; falling and blowing snow combined with strong winds will lead to whiteout conditions. For the latest road conditions in Illinois, visit www.gettingaroundillinois.com.