Lake County, Illinois, USA – Video filmed on January 14, 2026, captures dangerous snow squall conditions in central Lake County as a winter storm moved through the region en route toward Chicago.

The footage was recorded by X user Willie Gillespie during the morning hours as heavy, wind-driven snow reduced visibility to near whiteout levels and quickly covered roadways.

The caption accompanying the video reads: “These conditions are on the way to Chicago this morning. Roads have deteriorated quickly as heavy wind-driven snow continues in central Lake County!”

According to incident details, a powerful winter storm system affected northern Illinois on January 14, bringing snow squalls, gusty winds reaching up to 50 mph, and rapidly falling temperatures below freezing.

Lake and McHenry counties were particularly impacted, with sudden bursts of near-zero visibility, slick roads vulnerable to black ice, and quickly worsening driving conditions during the morning commute.

Emergency crews responded to numerous vehicle crashes across the area as conditions deteriorated. Despite the disruptions, no injuries were reported.

Snow Squall Warnings were issued for southeastern Cook, Will, and Kankakee counties in Illinois, as well as Lake, Porter, Jasper, and Newton counties in northwest Indiana.

Snowfall rates reached one to two inches per hour in intense bands, with accumulations ranging from a trace to more than six inches in lake-effect zones such as LaPorte County.

Authorities, including the National Weather Service and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, urged residents to avoid travel if possible as the storm caused major disruptions to daily activities and commutes.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download