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Chicago Braces for Icy Freezing Rain, Hazardous Commute Expected

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Icy Roads Chicago Freezing Rain Winter Weather

CHICAGO — A wintry mix of freezing rain is set to transform Chicago into an icy hazard Wednesday night, with the National Weather Service warning of treacherous road conditions. The freezing rain is expected to peak between 6 p.m. Wednesday and midnight, coating roads, bridges, and overpasses with a thin layer of ice.

“It’s going to fall as liquid and freeze anything that touches the ground,” said Brett Borchardt, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “There’s going to be a mist and raindrops falling, and sometimes it can be sinister, because you don’t know when it’s also going to turn into ice.”

Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution, particularly during Thursday morning’s commute, as untreated surfaces will likely remain slick. Temperatures will hover in the lower 30s Wednesday night before rising above freezing Thursday, with highs reaching the 40s. Sunshine in the afternoon is expected to help melt the ice.

Borchardt noted that such icy conditions are not uncommon for Chicago winters, with three to five similar systems typically occurring each season. However, the timing of this storm poses significant risks for commuters and pedestrians alike.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for portions of north central and northeast Illinois, effective until 6 a.m. Thursday. The advisory warns of up to one-tenth of an inch of ice accumulation, which could make roads and sidewalks dangerously slippery.

Residents are advised to avoid travel if possible and to check road conditions at www.gettingaroundillinois.com. The icy conditions are expected to ease by Thursday afternoon, but another storm system bringing snow and potentially more freezing rain is forecast for the weekend.

Looking ahead, much colder temperatures are predicted for next week, with highs in the 20s and lows dipping into the teens or single digits. Meteorologists are also monitoring the potential for additional rounds of wintry weather as February continues to bring active weather patterns to the region.