Illinois winter storm warnings
There are no winter storm warnings in Illinois right now. The last one was issued on March 16, 2026.
Heavy snow, sleet or ice is expected that will make travel very dangerous or impossible.
Updated from the National Weather Service · lists refresh hourly; the live map loads current alerts directly from the NWS
Active winter storm warnings in Illinois
None right now. Other active alerts in Illinois: none.
Winter Storm Warnings in Illinois by year
Illinois averaged 13.7 winter storm warnings per year from 2016 to 2025, and has had 6 so far in 2026. The most recent was issued on March 16, 2026.
Counties with the most winter storm warnings
What a winter storm warning means
A winter storm warning means a significant winter storm is happening or is expected within about 36 hours. It can be issued for heavy snow, a mix of snow and sleet, or snow with freezing rain. Each local National Weather Service office sets its own criteria based on what disrupts life in that area, so a few inches can trigger a warning in the South while northern and mountain offices use much higher snowfall totals.
More about winter storm warnings and the national map →
What to do
- Avoid travel if you can. If you must drive, carry a winter kit with blankets, water, a shovel and a phone charger.
- Charge devices and prepare for power outages.
- Bring pets inside and protect pipes from freezing.
- Check on older neighbors and relatives.
More Illinois alerts
- Tornado Warnings
- Tornado Watches
- Severe Thunderstorm Warnings
- Flash Flood Warnings
- Flood Warnings
- Flood Watches
- Winter Storm Watches
- Winter Weather Advisories
- Cold Weather Advisories
- Freeze Warnings
- Frost Advisories
- Heat Advisories
- Extreme Heat Warnings
- High Wind Warnings
- Wind Advisories
- Red Flag Warnings
- Dense Fog Advisories
- All Illinois alerts