Blowing snow and freezing temperatures created hazardous road conditions in Illinois and Indiana on Friday morning, leading to numerous crashes, accidents, and major traffic problems. Indiana State Police Sergeant Glen Fifield described travel conditions as treacherous for both trucks and cars, especially in northwest Indiana where heavy lake-effect snow caused white-out conditions in some areas.

Reports from NBC 5 indicated that road conditions in Hobart, Indiana were completely covered in snow and ice. The relentless snow continued to fall with temperatures at 13 degrees and a chilling wind chill of -2. NBC 5's Jen DeSalvo noted that the salt being used to treat the roads was ineffective in these freezing temperatures and darkness. Meteorologist Alicia Roman explained that road salt, or sodium chloride, works best under warmer temperatures and sunlight. Once temperatures drop below 15 degrees, road salt becomes nearly ineffective.

Northeastern Illinois also experienced the effects of the winter storm, with roadways remaining covered even as the snowfall tapered off. Side streets were particularly treacherous, with blowing and drifting snow causing additional challenges for commuters. The Illinois State Police reported multiple vehicles spinning out on roads and highways due to the weather conditions.

NBC 5's Kye Martin reported several traffic crashes across the area, including on Stevenson between the Des Plaines River Bridge and I-294, in West Chicago, in Highland Park on Southbound 41, and on I-55 in Will County. While roads closer to downtown Chicago were improving, heavy traffic and slower drive times persisted, especially along the Kennedy Expressway from O'Hare International Airport.

Despite the efforts of the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, with over 300 plows deployed, the continuous snowfall disrupted their clearing efforts. Commissioner Cole Stallard mentioned that despite removing the snow, DuSable Lake Shore Drive was now covered in running water, making it slippery for drivers.

The snow is expected to move out of northeast Illinois by noon on Friday, but a snow plume is predicted to hover over Michigan and Indiana throughout the day, predominantly affecting Porter and LaPorte Counties. Northwest Indiana can expect the snowfall to finally cease by Saturday evening. In contrast, conditions in northeast Illinois on Saturday are expected to be dry and sunny.

The National Weather Service warned that the system that arrived overnight and brought between 1 and 4 inches of snow to northeast Illinois may have higher snowfall totals in Porter and LaPorte Counties in Indiana, where a winter storm warning will remain in effect until late Friday. Valparaiso alone could potentially see as much as 4.5 inches of snow, with even greater amounts expected elsewhere.

As road crews continue their efforts to clear the snow and improve travel conditions, motorists are advised to exercise caution and delay non-essential travel in areas experiencing severe winter weather conditions.