Winter storm moves in from the west to cover Chicago area
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A winter storm system has moved in from the west and will bring two to four inches of light, fluffy snow across the area Thursday night into Friday morning.
The snow was falling across the area by 10 p.m., and was accumulating in southern DuPage and northern Will counties. Visibility was down to 1 mile at O'Hare International Airport at 10 p.m., and 2 miles at Midway.
By 10 p.m., the snow was also coming down in Schaumburg – and the wind kept it blowing across the roadways.
Snow showers will continue until 5 a.m. – with accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Combined with gusty winds, it will make for a slick morning commute Friday.
Some blowing and drifting snow is possible in the suburbs.
Early Friday morning, between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., an intense lake-effect snow band develops across northeast Porter County and La Porte County in Northwest Indiana.
Snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour will be possible, leading to whiteout conditions and extremely hazardous travel.
This lake effect snow band continues all day and into Friday night, and could bring a foot of snow altogether for those areas.
Some areas may see even more than a foot of snow. By 6 a.m. Saturday, Michigan City, Indiana could see a whipping 14.5 inches of snow, New Durham 13.4, and Westchester Township in Porter County 12.9.
Bitterly cold air then returns Friday night with wind chills dropping to -25 to -15 degrees.
A winter storm warning is in effect for Porter and La Porte counties from 10 p.m. Thursday to noon Friday. A winter weather advisory began at 6 p.m. Thursday for the rest of the area, and will be in place until 1 p.m. Friday.
Tonight: Light snow developing with 2-4" accumulations. Low around 11°.
Friday: Snow tapering off with blowing snow. Mostly cloudy and blustery. High of 13°.
Saturday: Mostly sunny and very cold. High of 15°.