A wind advisory goes into effect in the Chicago metro area Wednesday afternoon as wind gusts could surpass 45 miles-per-hour, likely impacting motorists’ afternoon commute.
The advisory is in effect from 2 p.m. to midnight throughout northern Illinois and from 11 a.m. to midnight for Boone, Lee, Ogle, and Winnebago counties, Jake Petr, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said.
The strongest gusts are expected to reach the city between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and can impact the evening rush hour commute.
“Anyone driving on east [or] west roadways, it could come a little bit difficult,” Petr said. “Just be prepared for slow driving and make sure you have two hands on the wheel.”
Gusty winds aren’t projected to return after the advisory expires, but about an inch-and-a-half of snow could fall in parts of the metro area Friday, according to the weather service.
By early next week, temperatures are expected to climb into the 60s.
“[There’s] something to look forward to,” Petr said.