Snowstorm Heads to Illinois this Week
Winter Weather to Grip the Midwest and East Coast
Wednesday morning started out cold in the Chicago area, with frigid temperatures expected to persist as Arctic air continues to grip much of the Midwest and Eastern part of the U.S.
A Winter Storm Brewing in the South
A winter storm brewing in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas is set to move into Illinois, bringing with it a chance for snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
Winter Weather Outlook
“Temperatures feel like two degrees,” NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman said, of the winter chill in some parts early Wednesday. Wednesday was expected to remain mostly sunny and dry, though some flurries could form near Lake Michigan, Roman added.
A Chance for Snow and Winter Weather
Late Thursday into Friday is when the area’s next chance for snow arrives, Roman said, as a winter system bringing winter storm warnings and watches to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Georgia is set to move into Illinois.
Winter Storm Predictions
National Weather Service meteorologists predicted wintry precipitation across the southern Plains region starting Wednesday night, with snow likely in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Farther south, snow could transition to sleet and freezing rain, which meteorologists warn could result in hazardous driving conditions.
Snowfall Expectations
According to Roman, snow from that storm is expected to hit Central and Southern Illinois the hardest, though parts of the Chicago area are also expected to see winter weather overnight Thursday into Friday.
“Heavier snow to stay south of Chicago again,” Roman said, noting that a similar system moved through earlier in the week.
Still, as much as one to three inches of snow could pile up in the Chicago area by Friday night, Roman said.
Accumulating Snow and Slippery Conditions
“Accumulating snow is likely for much of the Chicago metro and areas around and east of I-55 late Thursday night into Friday afternoon, with slippery conditions possible during the Friday morning commute,” the NWS said.
Additional Chances for Snow
Over the weekend, another chance for snow comes Sunday, as a clipper system moves in, Roman said, with the highest chances for flurries near the Wisconsin-Illinois state line.
Conclusion
The Midwest and East Coast can expect a prolonged period of winter weather, with a winter storm bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the region. Residents should prepare for hazardous driving conditions and potential power outages.
FAQs
* When will the winter storm arrive in Illinois?
The winter storm is expected to move into Illinois late Thursday into Friday.
* What kind of weather can we expect?
Snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected, with the highest chances for accumulating snow in Central and Southern Illinois.
* How much snow can we expect in the Chicago area?
As much as one to three inches of snow could pile up in the Chicago area by Friday night.
* What are the chances for slippery road conditions?
Accumulating snow is likely for much of the Chicago metro and areas around and east of I-55, with slippery conditions possible during the Friday morning commute.
