A “severe weather warning” is in effect for several counties in the Chicago area, bringing extremely hazardous travel conditions ahead of potentially severe weather in the region.
Blowing dust could cause travel problems in many western suburbs, with winds of up to 45 miles per hour causing problems, especially near recently plowed fields.
The warning is currently in effect for McHenry, Kane, DeKalb, LaSalle, Grundy and Kendall counties, with blowing dust causing significant problems downstate.
According to the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, Interstate 55 was closed near McLean, with traffic diverted on Route 136 and allowed to return to the highway at Shirley Road. Southbound traffic is also being detoured from Shirley Road and allowed to return to the freeway on US 51.
Interstate 74 is also closed in both directions near exit 152, officials said.
Visibility was reported to be near zero in some parts of those interstates, with dust blowing from farm fields and cutting sightlines on roads.
Strong winds are also causing dangerous traffic for high-profile vehicles on north-south roads in the area, officials said.
Drivers caught in the storm are asked to pull over to the side of the road as far as possible, stop, turn off all lights and apply the emergency brake.
Drivers are also asked to keep their feet off the brake pedal so they don’t get out of their cars, fasten their seat belts and keep their taillights on, which could lead other drivers to think they’re following the flow. of traffic.
Even after the advisory ends, severe weather conditions could still affect central Illinois Tuesday night with gusty winds, hail and even a tornado threat.