Chicago, Illinois, has earned a weather reputation for being one of the windiest U.S. cities, partly because of its location along Lake Michigan (across which, winds pick up speed) and also because the tall buildings in Chicago's urban core "funnel" or "channel" the strong lake breezes. But winter can also bring fierce wind storms stemming from the tight pressure gradient around powerful cyclones. When these winds combine with heavy snowfall, true blizzard conditions ensue. I recall watching YouTube footage of motorists stranded on Chicago's Lakeshore Drive, as winds gusted in the 60-70 mph range amidst heavy snowfall.The Parkway was shut down and motorists evacuated from their cars, as plows simply couldn't keep up with drifting snow, and snowed-in vehicles served as obstacles.
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