The question of how much snow did Chicago get has become a top concern as the city faces one of its most intense early-season snowstorms in recent years. As of today, November 10, 2025, heavy snow has blanketed the Chicago metropolitan area, creating hazardous travel conditions and prompting widespread cleanup efforts across the city and suburbs.
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Current Situation in Chicago
A powerful winter system moved into the Great Lakes region late Sunday night, bringing significant snowfall across northern Illinois. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for Chicago and surrounding counties, in effect until late Monday.
- Snow began falling Sunday evening and intensified overnight.
- Most areas within the city limits have reported 10 to 14 inches of snow accumulation.
- Some lakefront and northside neighborhoods have seen totals reaching 15 to 18 inches, due to strong lake-effect snow bands.
- Wind gusts between 25 to 35 mph have caused drifting snow and reduced visibility on major roadways, including sections of I-90, I-94, and Lake Shore Drive.
- City officials report ongoing plowing and salting operations, with over 300 snowplows deployed through the morning hours.
The heaviest snowfall rates occurred between midnight and 6 a.m., with some areas seeing 1 to 2 inches per hour during peak intensity.
How Much Snow Did Chicago Get — Area Totals So Far
The following breakdown highlights approximate snow totals across various Chicago regions and suburbs as of Monday morning:
| Location | Estimated Snowfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| Downtown Chicago | 11.5″ |
| O’Hare International Airport | 12.3″ |
| Midway Airport | 10.8″ |
| Evanston | 14.2″ |
| Rogers Park (Lakeshore) | 16.5″ |
| Naperville | 9.8″ |
| Schaumburg | 11.1″ |
| Waukegan | 13.7″ |
| Joliet | 8.5″ |
These figures will continue to update throughout the day as the final snowbands taper off.
Why the Snowfall Totals Are So High
Meteorologists point to a combination of factors that led to this high-impact event:
- Strong low-pressure system: A deep trough of cold air collided with moist Gulf air, generating heavy precipitation.
- Lake-effect enhancement: As the system moved east, cold air passing over Lake Michigan intensified snowfall near the shore.
- Wind-driven accumulation: Persistent northeast winds funneled additional moisture into the city, causing some neighborhoods to receive double the inland totals.
These conditions are typical of major early-season snow events, though the totals this time are unusually high for early November.
Impact on Daily Life and Transportation
The snowstorm has had a wide-reaching impact on daily life in the city:
- Flights: More than 400 flights were delayed or canceled at O’Hare and Midway airports early Monday morning.
- Public Transit: Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses are operating on snow reroutes, with train services experiencing minor delays.
- Schools: Several public and private schools announced closures or late starts to allow for safe commutes.
- Road Conditions: The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) continues to advise against non-essential travel due to slick and snow-packed roads.
City officials have reminded residents to clear sidewalks and hydrants, and to avoid parking on designated snow routes.
Cleanup Efforts and Next Steps
Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation began plowing overnight and continues operations citywide. More than 400,000 tons of salt remain on standby for road treatment as temperatures stay below freezing through midweek.
Emergency services report an uptick in minor vehicle accidents, though no major power outages have been confirmed. Cleanup is expected to continue through Tuesday morning, with secondary streets and residential areas prioritized after main thoroughfares are cleared.
Weather Outlook for the Week Ahead
Following this major snow event, conditions will gradually improve. Light flurries may persist through Monday night, but significant additional accumulation is unlikely. Daytime highs are expected to remain in the low 30s°F for the next two days, before slightly warming toward the end of the week.
By Wednesday, forecasters expect calmer weather and partial sunshine, though icy patches may remain on untreated surfaces.
Summary: How Much Snow Did Chicago Get?
To summarize, Chicago has received between 10 to 14 inches of snow across most neighborhoods, with localized totals up to 18 inches along the lakefront. This marks one of the largest early-November snowfalls in over a decade.
The combination of heavy snow, gusty winds, and freezing temperatures has created challenging conditions across the region, but cleanup operations are well underway. Residents should continue to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay tuned to local updates for the latest information on street plowing and transit service.
If you experienced this storm firsthand, share your local snowfall totals or photos in the comments below—let’s see how your neighborhood compares!