Key Takeaways
- A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for multiple counties in the Chicago area, including Boone, DeKalb, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, and Winnebago counties, as well as Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, Lake, and Will counties.
- Snow is expected to start falling in Chicago-area counties between 9 p.m. and midnight, with snowfall ending between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Sunday.
- Between 2 and 3 inches of snow is forecast for most areas, with some isolated 4-inch totals possible north of Interstate 80.
- Rain may mix in with snow in some areas, impacting totals and creating hazardous driving conditions.
- Temperatures are expected to drop Sunday afternoon, with lake-effect snow possible after 9 p.m.
Introduction to the Winter Weather Advisory
The National Weather Service has issued multiple Winter Weather Advisories for the Chicago area, effective for Saturday evening and Sunday morning. These advisories cover several counties, including Boone, DeKalb, LaSalle, Lee, Ogle, and Winnebago counties, as well as Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, Lake, and Will counties. Additionally, Wisconsin’s Racine, Kenosha, and Walworth counties are also under a Winter Weather Advisory. The advisories are in effect from 9 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday for some counties, and from midnight to 9 a.m. Sunday for others.
Snowfall Expectations and Hazards
According to ABC7 Chicago AccuWeather meteorologists, snow is expected to start falling in Chicago-area counties between 9 p.m. and midnight, with snowfall ending between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Sunday. The forecast predicts between 2 and 3 inches of snow for most areas, with some isolated 4-inch totals possible north of Interstate 80. However, rain may mix in with snow in some areas, such as Kankakee, southern Will, Grundy, and southern LaSalle counties, which will impact totals for those locations. This mix of snow and rain may create hazardous driving conditions, especially on roads that become slick and snow-covered.
Driving Conditions and Precautions
The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications is encouraging drivers to slow down and use caution when traveling during the winter weather advisory period. ABC7 meteorologists have issued an AccuWeather Alert for Sunday morning, as roads may become slick and snow-covered, posing a risk to drivers. It is essential for drivers to exercise caution and adjust their speed according to the road conditions to avoid accidents. Additionally, drivers should be prepared for reduced visibility and potentially hazardous road conditions, especially during the morning commute.
Temperature Drop and Lake-Effect Snow
Temperatures are expected to drop Sunday afternoon, which may lead to lake-effect snow in some areas. Lake-effect snow is a phenomenon that occurs when cold air passes over a body of warm water, such as Lake Michigan, causing snow to fall in certain areas. In this case, the lake-effect snow may briefly kick in for Illinois after 9 p.m. Sunday, potentially bringing additional snowfall to some areas. Drivers should be aware of the potential for lake-effect snow and plan their routes accordingly.
Future Snowfall Predictions
More snow is in the forecast for the Chicago area, with predictions of snowfall on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. While the exact amounts and timing of the snowfall are still uncertain, it is essential for residents to stay informed and plan ahead for potential disruptions to their daily routines. The National Weather Service and local news outlets will continue to provide updates on the winter weather forecast, and residents should stay tuned for the latest information to stay safe and prepared.