Bitter cold to follow gusty snow showers in Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) — A weather alert is in effect Wednesday evening as a powerful cold front brings periods of blowing snow along with potentially damaging winds.
Periods of snow squalls are expected across the area until 7 p.m., and specifically in the Chicago area during the evening commute between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. In pockets of heavy snow, visibility will drop, and roads may become slushy and slippery.
Most likely accumulations are 1/4" to 1/2", with a few locally heavier amounts.
A Wind Advisory is in effect this evening 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.
Periods of lake effect snow may continue in La Porte County, Indiana, on Thursday, where 3-5" of snow is possible. The rest of us will see sunshine and brisk winds.
Forecast at a glance
Wednesday: Cloudy with periods of blowing snow through the late afternoon and evening. High: 38
Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy with light snow early. Strong winds and frigid wind chills. Low: 13, wind chills -5 to -12 degrees.
Thursday: Partly cloudy with lake effect snow showers possible in northwest Indiana. Windy and cold. High: 25, wind chills below zero early.
