Chicago braces for 50-65 mph winds as strong spring storm moves in
Image: Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago braces for 50-65 mph winds as strong spring storm moves in

15 March, 2026.Technology and Science.2 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Storm system brings damaging wind gusts Sunday into the evening.
  • Showers and thunderstorms expected Sunday, with potential severity.
  • Snow is forecast Monday, with precipitation changing overnight.

Storm Timeline

Chicago is preparing for a powerful spring storm system that will bring multiple rounds of severe weather.

About 1-4 inches of snow is forecast to fall Monday morning

ABCABC

The storm is expected to impact the area through Monday morning.

Image from ABC
ABCABC

Meteorologists are tracking three distinct rounds of weather activity.

The first round began with thunderstorms moving through at around 9 a.m.

Additional storms are expected from 4-9 p.m.

A third round starting at 1 a.m. Monday will bring snow during the morning commute.

This multi-phased storm has prompted various weather advisories.

Officials are preparing for the combination of high winds and accumulating snow.

Wind Warnings Issued

Significant wind warnings have been issued across the Chicago area.

A High Wind Warning is in effect for Kankakee County and northwest Indiana.

Image from Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Sun-Times

Wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph in these areas.

The warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Sunday.

A Wind Advisory covers Will, Grundy, LaSalle, Livingston and southern Cook counties.

These warnings reflect concerns about potential property damage.

Meteorologists are concerned about hazardous conditions.

Officials urge residents to prepare for rapidly changing conditions.

Airport Disruptions

Chicago's airports are experiencing significant disruptions.

About 1-4 inches of snow is forecast to fall Monday morning

ABCABC

O'Hare International Airport has been particularly hard hit.

The average arriving flight was delayed over 90 minutes.

Departing flights were behind by 25 minutes.

Over 580 flights had been canceled at O'Hare in the last 24 hours.

105 flights were canceled at Midway during the same period.

These disruptions affect travelers across the region.

The combination of weather and operational challenges creates complex travel conditions.

Weather Transition

The Chicago area is preparing for a dramatic weather transition.

Rain will give way to snow early Monday morning.

Image from Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-TimesChicago Sun-Times

Sunday included rain dousing South Side Irish parade-goers.

Snow is forecast to begin falling early Monday morning.

Snow will continue through about 10 a.m.

Meteorologists predict 1 to 4 inches of accumulation.

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for multiple counties.

The advisory runs from 10 p.m. Sunday through noon Monday.

The combination of wind, snow, and cold temperatures will create hazardous travel conditions.

Extended Forecast

Temperatures will remain in the 20s through Tuesday.

Image from ABC
ABCABC

The weather service expects temperatures to warm into the 40s and 50s.

This warming trend is expected toward the end of the week.

This pattern reflects volatile spring weather in the Midwest.

Winter conditions can rapidly give way to spring-like temperatures.

The current storm is part of this seasonal transition.

Chicago will move toward warmer weather patterns in coming days.

Safety Precautions

Emergency management officials are urging precautions.

Multiple weather warnings are currently in effect.

Significant travel disruptions are possible.

Authorities recommend staying updated on weather conditions.

Residents should avoid unnecessary travel during the storm peak.

High winds, accumulating snow, and cold temperatures create hazards.

These conditions could affect power lines and tree limbs.

Road conditions will likely be hazardous.

Residents should secure outdoor items and prepare for potential power outages.

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