The upcoming snow system in the Chicago area has prompted the National Weather Service to upgrade the winter storm watch to a winter weather advisory, effective Wednesday morning. The advisory, spanning from 9 a.m. CT Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday, covers numerous counties in Illinois, including McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Cook, and Will, as well as counties in Indiana such as Lake, Porter, Newton, and Jasper. Additionally, a winter storm warning has been issued for Kenosha County in Wisconsin, predicting snow accumulations between 6 and 9 inches from noon Wednesday to 3 a.m. Thursday.
Snow Projections and Impact
Snow totals in the Chicago area are expected to range between 4 and 7 inches, with the highest snow totals anticipated north of a Pontiac, IL to Valparaiso, IN line. While most of the region is likely to receive 4 or more inches of snow, areas like Elgin, Waukegan, and northern Chicago could see higher amounts. The NBC 5 Storm Team suggests that higher snow totals are possible along Lake Michigan, and there’s a potential for a rain-snow line to impact some southern suburbs, resulting in decreased snow totals in those areas.
In Newton and Jasper counties, the winter weather advisory predicts 2 to 4 inches of snow along with the risk of freezing rain, leading to up to a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation. The snow is expected to arrive around 6-7 a.m. Wednesday, starting in Chicago’s western counties and moving eastward throughout the day. The heaviest snowfall is projected for the afternoon and evening, with continued snowfall late into Wednesday night. While a break in snow is expected Thursday, another winter weather system may bring additional snowfall on Friday night.
Understanding Weather Alerts
The distinction between a winter weather advisory, warning, and watch is crucial for public safety. An advisory indicates that hazardous weather conditions are occurring, imminent, or likely, with less severe impacts compared to a warning. A warning is more serious, signifying a threat to life or property, while a watch indicates an increased risk of hazardous weather, though timing and location remain uncertain.
The NWS advises caution during the upcoming storm, with the potential for hazardous travel conditions, especially during the afternoon and evening commute when snowfall rates may exceed 1 inch per hour. Reduced visibility, snow-covered roads, and treacherous travel are all possible outcomes of the impending weather system. Stay informed with live updates from the NBC 5 Storm Team and track the storm with Live Doppler 5 radar for real-time information on road conditions and weather alerts in your area.
Prepare for hazardous travel conditions, especially during the afternoon and evening commute when we expect the highest snowfall rates (potentially exceeding 1 inch per hour at times),” the NWS said. Sharply reduced visibility, snow-covered roads and treacherous travel were all possible, the NWS warned. Live updates and radar The NBC 5 Storm Team will continue to update this as the forecast develops. Sign up for push alerts in the NBC Chicago app to be notified as weather alerts are issued in your area. • CHECK THE LATEST WEATHER ALERTS HERE Track the system with Live Doppler 5 radar below: Check Illinois road conditions near you: • Winter Road Conditions • Road Construction • Illinois Tollway Road Alerts NOTE: Special weather coverage of the winter storm begins at 4 a.m. Wednesday on NBC 5, the NBC 5 Chicago News Streaming channel and right here on NBCChicago.com and the NBC Chicago app.
