Winter Storm in Southern Cook County, Illinois

A winter storm moved across northern Illinois on February 17th producing a period of heavy snow during the afternoon and evening. Winds were gusting to 30 mph producing widespread blowing and drifting snow. Numerous traffic accidents were reported.

Snowfall amounts were generally in the 3 to 5 inch range across much of the central and southern Chicago Metro area with amounts quickly decreasing across the northern suburbs. The highest snowfall totals were generally along and south of Interstate 80. Some of the highest storm total snowfall amounts included 8.0 inches in Gibson City; 7.0 inches in Strawn; 6.5 inches near Kankakee; 6.0 inches in Streator and near Fairbury; 5.5 inches six miles east of Ashkum; 5.0 inches in Chatsworth and three miles west of Marseilles. Chicago O'Hare Airport measured 2.9 inches.