How much will it snow during Chicago's winter storm?
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Snow was blowing into the Chicago area Monday night, and will be causing problems through the day Tuesday. Here's what you need to know.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning, which began at 8 p.m. Monday will be in effect until to midnight Tuesday night for Kane, McHenry, La Salle, Lake (Illinois), and DeKalb counties. These areas could see snowfall totals of 6 inches or more, causing dangerous driving conditions through Tuesday night.
The rest of the Chicago area is under a Winter Weather Advisory tonight through Tuesday, due to accumulating snowfall that could also cause significant traffic issues on Tuesday.
Snowfall rates overnight could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour in parts of the area at times, resulting in difficult travel conditions through the morning commute.
Light snow had begun falling in downtown Chicago by just before 10 p.m. Monday. Most of the entire Chicago area will have snow starting Monday night into Tuesday morning.
Then, rain will fall for much of the area, except for McHenry and DeKalb, which will get persistent, heavy snow for most of the day.
Snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected in the first round for the Chicago area, with the highest totals in the south and southwestern suburbs. This is expected to continue until about 5 a.m. With a few inches of accumulation expected, it'll be enough to mess up the morning rush hour. Snow will fall heavily and add up quickly.
TIMELINE:
Tuesday 4:30 a.m.-7 a.m. Snowy roads will create slick travel across the area. We may see a lull in additional snowfall sometime in this time period.
Tuesday 7 a.m.-11 a.m.: Chicago and much of Cook County, as well as areas south of the city. Will experience a cold rain. This rain will wash away a lot of the snow accumulated overnight. Meanwhile, persistent snow in the northwest suburbs will add up – especially from Ottawa to Aurora, to Lake Villa and points north.
The cold rain will develop because temperatures will increase above freezing for a large part of the area, especially from Cook County to the south. Temperatures look to remain near freezing for areas just north and west of Chicago, allowing for that wet, heavy snow to continue through the afternoon in these suburbs. That is why these areas are under a Winter Storm Warning. Travel will be dangerous in these areas where snow continues through the day, especially in La Salle, McHenry, Kane, DeKalb, and Lake (Illinois) County. Light to moderate snow showers are likely Tuesday evening, before the snow tappers off overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
After a brief break Wednesday into Thursday morning, another winter storm is possible Friday into Saturday with several more inches of snow accumulation. Behind the storm, the coldest air so far this season is expected next weekend into early next week. Highs only in the teens and single digits, with lows around zero, and wind chills well below zero are likely.
Forecast:
Tonight: Snow likely, some of which will be heavy. Accumulating 2-5 inches overnight. Low 33.
Tuesday: Snow continuing, heavy at times especially in the northwest suburbs. Additional 2-4 inches possible, mainly northwest of Chicago. Highs mid 30s.
Wednesday: Snow ending early. Mostly cloudy. Highs low 30s. Lows mid 20s with a chance of snow at night.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy. Highs low 30s. Lows low 20s.
Friday: Snow developing, possible winter storm with gusty winds. Highs low 30s. Lows upper teens.
Saturday: Snow in the morning, with blowing snow possible throughout the day. Highs low 20s. Lows single digits.
Sunday: Mostly cloudy and very cold. Highs low teens. Lows around zero.