Snow and Winter Weather on the Way to the Chicago Area

Snow and winter weather are on their way to the Chicago area Wednesday. Much of Chicagoland has now been upgraded by the National Weather Service to a Winter Weather Advisory for Wednesday, ahead of an approaching system that’s expected to bring several inches of snow to the area.

A Winter Storm Watch had previously been issued and remains in effect for areas still not under the Winter Weather Advisory as of midday Tuesday. A Winter Weather Advisory essentially means an approaching winter storm is imminent.

WGN Interactive Radar: Track the weather near you

The watch and advisory go into effect at 9 a.m. Wednesday and last through 3 a.m. Thursday for portions of central, north central, and northeast Illinois, and northwest Indiana. Areas to the south and west of Chicagoland are under a Winter Storm Warning.

Wednesday’s snow timeline shows light snow falling during the morning hours. It’ll pick up after that and become heavy at times, so the evening commute is expected to be most impacted.

Winter Weather Advisory: What You Need to Know

The Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday, covering parts of central, north central, and northeast Illinois, and northwest Indiana. Here’s what you can expect:

• A Winter Weather Advisory means an approaching winter storm is imminent.
• Heavy snow is expected to develop during the late morning and early afternoon hours.
• The evening commute is expected to be most impacted by the snow.
• Travel conditions may become hazardous, with reduced visibility and slippery roads.
• Residents are advised to stay informed and adjust their plans accordingly.

How Much Snow is Expected in Chicago?

• Models are showing between 4 to 7 inches of snow in Chicagoland from Wednesday to Thursday morning.
• Higher totals of 6 to 7 inches are expected in areas to the north, in Lake County and near the Wisconsin border.
• Areas closer to the City of Chicago could see a little less, with 4 to 5 inches expected.
• Further away from the lake, 5 inches or more is likely.
• And areas southwest of the city could see anywhere between 3 and 4 inches.
• The majority of these totals will accumulate by late Wednesday night.
• Earlier Wednesday, less than an inch is expected to accumulate before 11 a.m. throughout the Chicago area.
• By late afternoon, 3 inches to 4 inches are expected in the city, with more in the northern areas.

Full forecast details and more at wgntv.com/weather

Conclusion

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Chicago area, warning of several inches of snow and hazardous travel conditions. Residents are advised to stay informed and adjust their plans accordingly. Remember to check the latest forecast for updates and plan ahead for your commute.

FAQs

Q: What is the Winter Weather Advisory?

A: A Winter Weather Advisory means an approaching winter storm is imminent. It is issued by the National Weather Service when snow or other winter weather is expected to impact the area.

Q: How much snow is expected in the Chicago area?

A: Models are showing between 4 to 7 inches of snow in Chicagoland from Wednesday to Thursday morning, with higher totals expected in areas to the north.

Q: Will the snow be heavy?

A: Yes, the snow is expected to become heavy at times, especially during the evening commute.

Q: Should I plan ahead for my commute?

A: Yes, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for your commute and check the latest forecast for updates. Consider leaving earlier or adjusting your route to avoid potential hazards.

Q: How can I stay informed about the weather?

A: You can stay informed by checking the latest forecast on wgntv.com/weather or following WGN on social media for updates.