Who will see snow and how much?
Snow to Impact Commuters, Not Everyone Will See It
Snow is expected to move into the Chicago area Thursday for the beginning of multiple waves that could impact commuters — but not everyone will see it.
First Round: Thursday Afternoon and Evening
The first round moves in Thursday afternoon and evening, potentially impacting a line along and northeast of Interstate 90.
Rain-Snow Mix to Transition to All Snow
By early Thursday afternoon, a rain-snow mix will develop, NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Alicia Roman said. Beginning around 4 p.m., the wintry mix will transition to all snow, with scattered snow showers expected for the majority of the area.
Second Round: Overnight
Another round of snow overnight could bring accumulations for some. This snow is expected to persist through Friday morning, which could mean potentially slippery travel during the morning commute.
Accumulations and Impacts
The highest totals, which are expected to sit between 2 and 3 inches, are expected along and north of I-90. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that while the snow is not expected to amount to much, it could make for slick conditions on area roadways. The NWS also advises planning extra time, leaving extra distance between cars, and traveling at appropriate speeds.
Regional Breakdown
According to the NWS, the highest chance of heavier snow is from Rockford to the Chicago metro area, and into Northwest Indiana. A rain-snow mix is possible for those south of a Dixon-Rensselaer line.
National Weather Service Warnings and Advisories
The snow is part of a winter storm moving through central Minnesota and western Wisconsin, with winter storm warnings and advisories across the Midwest — including in Racine and Kenosha Counties — with as much as 7 inches of snow and hazardous travel possible.
Temperatures and Gusty Winds
In addition to the snow, temperatures in the Chicago area will get colder, NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman said, with temperatures in the 30s Thursday and Friday and dipping into the 20s this weekend before a warm-up arrives next week. Gusty winds could lead to impacts from blowing snow into tonight.
Lake Effect Snow
Late Friday morning, most snow showers will come to an end, except around Lake Michigan, where lake effect snow continues. The lake effect snow will shift east into northwest Indiana Friday afternoon and evening, with heavy accumulations possible.
Conclusion
While not everyone will see significant snow, the Chicago area can expect a messy commute and potentially slippery roadways. Make sure to plan extra time, leave extra distance between cars, and travel at appropriate speeds to ensure safe travel.
FAQs
* Who will see snow and how much?
+ The highest totals (2-3 inches) are expected along and north of I-90.
* What is the forecast for the Chicago area?
+ Temperatures will be in the 30s Thursday and Friday, dipping into the 20s this weekend before a warm-up arrives next week.
* What are the National Weather Service’s warnings and advisories?
+ Winter storm warnings and advisories are in place across the Midwest, with as much as 7 inches of snow and hazardous travel possible.
* What is the forecast for Lake Michigan?
+ Lake effect snow will continue around Lake Michigan, shifting east into northwest Indiana Friday afternoon and evening, with heavy accumulations possible.
