Winter Weather Alert: Snow Expected to Hit Illinois Friday Morning
A winter storm warning and watch to the south will bring another round of snow to Illinois, with snow showers beginning overnight and into the Friday morning commute, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.
System Bringing Snow and Sleet to the Region
The system, moving north from Texas and Oklahoma, has already brought sleet and heavy snow to some states. In parts of Indiana and Kentucky, a winter storm warning was in effect through Friday morning, with "heavy snow expected," according to the National Weather Service.
Roads to Become Slick and Hazardous
"Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous," the NWS warned.
Snow Expected in the Chicago Area
In the Chicago area, the winter weather is set to also move in overnight Thursday and into Friday morning, though heavier snow is expected to stay further south.
Timing of the Snow
"Light snow developing later tonight," NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said. "Likely after midnight, but before the sun comes up Friday."
Snow to Continue Falling During Rush Hour Commute
Snow was expected to continue falling during the rush hour commute Friday and into the early afternoon, Jeanes said.
Expect Slippery Travel Conditions
"Expect slippery travel conditions for the AM commute," NWS Chicago said in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Snow Totals Expected
Snow totals are expected to be the highest south of I-80 and east of I-57, in the southeastern suburbs and into Northwest Indiana, Jeanes said, with up to three inches in some parts. Northern and western suburbs will see lower totals with "just a dusting," Jeanes said, up to about one inch.
Saturday and Sunday Forecasts
Saturday was expected to remain dry, Jeanes said. By Sunday, a clipper system was expected to bring another round of snow to the area. Snow showers Sunday would remain mostly north, Jeanes said, though totals weren’t expected to be high. "Doesn’t look like much accumulation again," Jeanes said, of the second round. "Maybe around an inch of accumulation again come Sunday."
Temperature Forecast
Temperatures Thursday and going into the weekend were expected to remain cold, Jeanes said, but closer to average before dropping again early next week. According to Jeanes, Thursday was expected to see a high temperature of 27 degrees, with temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s through Sunday. By Monday and Tuesday, temperatures were expected to dip back down into the teens and low 20s.
FAQs
Q: What is the timing of the snow?
A: Snow is expected to begin falling later tonight and continue into the Friday morning commute.
Q: How much snow is expected in the Chicago area?
A: Snow totals are expected to be the highest south of I-80 and east of I-57, with up to three inches in some parts. Northern and western suburbs will see lower totals with "just a dusting," up to about one inch.
Q: What about Saturday and Sunday?
A: Saturday is expected to remain dry, while a clipper system will bring another round of snow to the area on Sunday, with mostly north showers and up to an inch of accumulation.
Q: What is the temperature forecast?
A: Temperatures will remain cold, with highs in the upper 20s and low 30s through Sunday, and dropping back down into the teens and low 20s by Monday and Tuesday.
