Major Winter Storm to Bring Up to 12 Inches
Snow Storm Forecast, Timeline
A major winter storm system moving across the Central Plains this weekend is set to dump heavy snow across parts of the Midwest through early next week, the National Weather Service said, with as much as a foot of snow possible in Illinois. The storm comes as a clipper system is already set to bring up to two inches of snow to parts of the prairie state Thursday.
Forecast models show the winter snow storm is expected to begin moving through Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri overnight Saturday into Sunday, with the storm moving into Illinois early Sunday morning. By around 4 p.m. Sunday, the snow will continue in Illinois, as well as in Indiana, Ohio, and parts to the east.
Through Tuesday, some lake effect snow was expected to continue in Northwest Indiana. However, there’s a catch: The major Midwest snow storm on the way may miss the Chicago area entirely. “We’re on the northern edge of big-time snow totals across Central and Southern Illinois,” NBC 5 Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said Thursday. Current forecast models show as much as six to eight inches of snow south of I-74, Jeanes said. Further south, six to 12 inches of snow could fall by Monday afternoon, Jeanes said, though the storm track could shift upwards.
By Tuesday afternoon, parts of Missouri could see between eight and fourteen inches of snow piling up, Jeanes said. In Illinois, as much as a foot of snow could fall near the I-70 corridor, Jeanes said.
‘Widespread, Heavy Snow, Significant Icing Possible’
According to the NWS, areas in the Central Plains and Mississippi Valley, especially along and north of Interstate 70, could see heavy snow, with a high chance for at least six inches of snow. Further south, the NWS warned of “potentially significant sleet and freezing rain” impacting Kansas and the Ozarks.
Big Blast of Winter Air
While the major snowstorm could skip the Chicago area entirely, Northeastern Illinois won’t be able to escape an impending cold spell, set to last weeks. Thursday may be the warmest day in the Chicago area for at least a couple weeks, with highs in the low 30s expected.
The blast of Arctic air will bring plummeting temperatures to the area, with highs in the 20s starting Friday. Even lower wind chills were expected, with temperatures feeling like the teens or single digits.
“We’re going to be stuck in a cooler pattern,” Zachary Yack, a National Weather Service meteorologist based in Chicago told NBC News. “It will definitely go into the middle and early part of next week.”
By next week, nearly every morning in the Chicago area will have either below zero or single-digit wind chills, Jeanes said. The NBC 5 Storm Team’s extended weather forecast showed 20-degree temperatures lasting through the second weekend of January.
Conclusion
The major winter storm system is expected to bring heavy snow and potentially significant icing to parts of the Midwest, but it’s uncertain whether it will affect the Chicago area. However, Northeastern Illinois is expected to experience a prolonged period of cold weather, with temperatures in the 20s and wind chills in the teens or single digits.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is the current forecast for the major winter storm?
The National Weather Service is predicting heavy snow and potentially significant icing across parts of the Midwest, with a high chance for at least six inches of snow in the Central Plains and Mississippi Valley.
* Will the snowstorm affect the Chicago area?
There is currently a high degree of uncertainty surrounding the storm’s track, but it’s possible that the storm may miss the Chicago area entirely. However, Northeastern Illinois is expected to experience a prolonged period of cold weather.
* What are the expected temperatures in the Chicago area?
Temperatures in the Chicago area are expected to plummet starting Friday, with highs in the 20s and wind chills in the teens or single digits.
* How long will the cold spell last?
The NBC 5 Storm Team’s extended weather forecast shows 20-degree temperatures lasting through the second weekend of January.
