DeKalb County Schools and Chicago Area Districts Announce Closures Amid Blizzard Warning: Trend Summary

TL;DR

• Major school districts including DeKalb County and several in the Chicago area closed due to blizzard conditions.
• A blizzard warning is in effect with heavy snow and strong winds creating whiteout visibility.
• The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and local public works are operating around-the-clock for snow removal.
• Dangerous travel conditions are expected to persist throughout Monday morning.

What Happened

Early Monday morning, a powerful winter storm transitioned from rain and severe thunderstorms into heavy, accumulating snow across the Chicago metropolitan area. The National Weather Service expanded a blizzard warning to include several counties, most notably DeKalb, Kane, and McHenry. High winds reaching up to 50 mph combined with falling snow to create immediate whiteout conditions on major thoroughfares.

In response to the deteriorating safety conditions, DeKalb County schools and dozens of neighboring districts officially canceled classes or moved to remote learning. Public works departments in cities like Peoria and Chicago activated full-scale snow removal operations, with crews working 24-hour shifts to keep emergency routes open. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported significant delays and visibility issues on I-88 and I-90 during the morning commute.

Key Developments

The blizzard warning was extended to remain in effect through the afternoon of Monday, March 16. Total snow accumulations are projected to reach between 6 to 10 inches in the hardest-hit areas, particularly west of Chicago. In addition to school closures, several municipal buildings and community centers in DeKalb County announced delayed openings or full-day shutdowns.

Commuters can check the latest road statuses via the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) winter road conditions map. Authorities are strongly advising residents to avoid non-essential travel while the blizzard warning remains active.

Why This Matters

This storm marks one of the most significant winter events of the season, impacting the daily schedules of thousands of students and workers. The timing of the storm—hitting during the Monday morning rush hour—created high-risk scenarios for school buses and emergency responders. The rapid transition from severe thunderstorms on Sunday to blizzard conditions on Monday also strained regional infrastructure and power grids.

What Happens Next

The blizzard warning is expected to expire by late Monday afternoon, though wind gusts will remain high into the evening. School districts will monitor road clearing progress throughout the day to determine if classes can resume on Tuesday, March 17. Public works crews will continue around-the-clock operations to clear secondary roads and residential streets once the main arteries are secured.

Key Terms & Concepts

Blizzard Warning

Issued when sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or greater and considerable falling or blowing snow frequently reduce visibility to less than one-quarter mile for at least three hours.

Whiteout

A weather condition where extremely low visibility caused by heavy snow or salt spray makes it impossible to see the horizon or any landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are DeKalb County schools closed today?
Yes, DeKalb County schools are closed on Monday, March 16, 2026, due to the blizzard warning and dangerous road conditions.

When will the blizzard warning end?
The current warning is set to remain in effect through Monday afternoon, with weather conditions expected to stabilize by the evening of March 16.

Is travel safe in the Chicago area?
Travel is currently highly discouraged as officials report whiteout conditions and significant snow accumulation on major roads like I-88 and I-90.

Will schools be open on Tuesday?
School districts have not yet confirmed Tuesday schedules; decisions will be made late Monday based on the progress of snow removal and local safety assessments.