How much snow is falling in the Chicago area?
CHICAGO (CBS) — A weather alert is in effect a cold front that brought scattered snow showers, damaging winds, low visibility, and slick roadways for the evening commute Wednesday.
After temperatures briefly rose above freezing for the first time in 6 days, a period of frigid cold returned starting Wednesday night, with wind chills set to fall below zero.
Along and just behind the front, a few short-lived bursts of snow occurred in the area. As these fast-moving snow squalls pass through, slick spots and reduced visibility have been a problem.
At 9:50 p.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued a snow squall warning for eastern DuPage and central and southern Cook counties until 10:15 p.m. A dangerous snow squall extending from Hanover Park to Stickney was moving southeast at 30 mph.
The NWS warned that gusty winds and blowing snow could cause a rapid and dangerous drop in visibility.
Another snow squall warning was issued until 11:15 p.m. for northeastern Will, southeastern DuPage, and southeastern Cook counties in Illinois, and Lake County in Indiana.
A few neighborhoods also saw damaging wind gusts, which took down tree limbs and caused localized power outages.
A wind advisory is in effect through midnight as wind gusts may reach 50-65 mph in some areas, potentially leading to tree damage and localized power outages. As temperatures plummet, this will also lead to wind chill temperatures between -12 degrees and -5 degrees. Thursday morning will be a frigid start for those out and about.
Most areas can expect between a dusting and 0.5" of snow by late Wednesday evening. Lake-effect snow will continue in La Porte County, Indiana, through much of Thursday, potentially leading to 3-5" of accumulation.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect there through late Thursday night.
Forecast at a glance
Tonight: Mostly cloudy with light snow early. Strong winds and frigid wind chills. Low: 13, wind chills -5 to -12 degrees.
Tomorrow: Partly cloudy with lake effect snow showers possible in northwest Indiana. Windy and cold. High: 25, wind chills below zero early