Snow Arrives in Illinois: Timeline and What to Expect
A heavy band of snow from central and eastern Wisconsin was creeping into Illinois Thursday morning, with bursts of wet, "wind-whipped" snow and slush expected to fall during the morning commute.
The incoming snowfall, the Chicago area’s first of the season, led the National Weather Service to issue a winter weather advisory for Cook, Kane, Kendall, Will, McHenry, Lake, DuPage, and Kenosha counties, expected to last through 1 p.m. In Kankakee County, along with Lake, Porter, Newton, and Jasper Counties in Indiana, a winter weather advisory was in effect until 3 p.m.
Thursday Morning
Light snow from Wisconsin had begun to cross over into Illinois northern counties around 7:30 a.m., Chicago weather radar showed, with heavier snow expected in Lake and McHenry counties through 9 a.m., the NBC 5 Storm Team said.
"This is just the onset," NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman said, just before 8 a.m., warning that more snow was on the way.
The snow was expected to become heavier as the morning goes on, with heavy bursts quickly overspreading the Chicago metro area, from north to south, the NWS said.
Chicago Weather Radar: Track ‘Bursts’ of Heavy, Wet Snow for Thursday Commute
By 9 a.m. or 10 a.m., the snow – heavy at times – was expected to reach Chicago, the NWS added, with travel conditions expected to "quickly deteriorate" and the worst conditions expected in the metro area.
The snow will be accompanied by wind gusts of up to 45 miles-per-hour in some parts, with a wind advisory going into effect at 10 a.m. for the entire area.
Thursday Afternoon
Snow will transition to rain around 1 p.m., Roman said, with more rain expected through Thursday evening. As the rain moves in, winds were expected to pick up, Roman said, with gusts as high as 50 mph in some parts.
According to the NWS, gusty winds could reduce visibility through 8 p.m.
Conclusion
As the snow and rain moves out, the Chicago area will see a mostly dry and warmer weekend, Roman said, with temperatures in the 50s. By next week though, temperatures will dip back down in the 30s, with another chance for flurries on Thanksgiving, Roman said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much snow could Chicago see?
A: According to the NWS, slushy accumulations between two and four inches were expected.
Q: Will the snow be heavy?
A: Yes, the snow was expected to be heavy at times, with heavy bursts quickly overspreading the Chicago metro area.
Q: Will the wind be strong?
A: Yes, wind gusts of up to 45 miles-per-hour in some parts were expected, with a wind advisory going into effect at 10 a.m. for the entire area.
Q: Will the snow transition to rain?
A: Yes, snow will transition to rain around 1 p.m., with more rain expected through Thursday evening.
Q: Will the temperatures be cold?
A: Yes, temperatures Thursday will remain in the 30s and 40s, with winds making it feel much colder.
