Winter Storm Brings Snow to Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota
A winter snowstorm is moving through central Minnesota and western Wisconsin, gradually creeping into Illinois on Thursday afternoon, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team. The snow has prompted winter storm warnings and advisories across the Midwest, including in Racine and Kenosha Counties, with as much as seven inches of snow and hazardous travel possible.
Snow Timeline
The snow will start to move in on Thursday afternoon, with a rain-snow mix developing. By 6 p.m., the wintry mix will transition to all snow, with scattered snow showers expected for the majority of the area. Periods of snow could lead to slippery travel on Thursday night, with reduced visibility, especially along and north of I-80.
How Much Snow Could We Get?
Snow totals will be lower to the south and southeast, with up to one inch of snow possible. In counties to the north, especially along the Illinois-Wisconsin state line, two inches or more of snow could fall. In Northwest Indiana, even higher totals are expected, with lake effect snow near Valparaiso potentially resulting in as much as six inches of accumulation by Friday night.
Will Chicago Have a ‘White Christmas’?
According to the National Weather Service, a holiday is considered a "White Christmas" when there is at least one inch of snow on the ground on December 25. However, there haven’t been many of those in Chicago in recent years. The NBC 5 Storm Team reports that we’ve only had three since 2010, with the most recent occurring in 2022. The Chicago area expects to see above-average temperatures from December 25 to 31, with a partly sunny and dry Christmas Day, and temperatures in the 40s, warming into the upper 40s to near 50 by the end of next week.
Conclusion
The snowstorm is expected to bring hazardous travel conditions to the region, with slippery roads and reduced visibility. Residents are advised to plan ahead and take necessary precautions to ensure safe travel. The NBC 5 Storm Team will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the expected snowfall in the Chicago area?
A: Up to one inch of snow is possible in the south and southeast, with two inches or more in counties to the north.
Q: What is the expected temperature range for the holiday season?
A: Temperatures are expected to be in the 40s on Christmas Day, warming into the upper 40s to near 50 by the end of next week.
Q: Is it possible to have a ‘White Christmas’ in Chicago?
A: Yes, but there haven’t been many of those in recent years. The National Weather Service defines a ‘White Christmas’ as at least one inch of snow on the ground on December 25.
