Algonquin, Lake In The Hills Residents Urged To Prep For Winter Storm

ALGONQUIN AND LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — The Algonquin and Lake in the Hills area could see minor accumulations of snow this weekend as weather officials monitor a potentially hazardous snowstorm expected to hit Chicagoland early next week.

Between one to two inches of snow is possible this weekend, weather officials said Friday. And it's still unclear how much snow — and where the heaviest snow will fall — during next week's storm, which is expected to run from Monday night to Tuesday night and could impact travel across the Chicago area.

• 3 Inches Of Snow Saturday, 'Strong Storm System' Possible For IL

Chicago area meteorologist Tom Skilling wrote in a Thursday Facebook post that wet snow could begin to develop Monday night. Up to 30 mph wind gusts are also in the forecast across the Chicago area during the storm.

"It looks messy," he wrote Thursday.

Weather officials are urging residents to plan ahead but say the precise storm track and strength of the storm are unclear, according to the National Weather Service.

"It's still too early for specific snowfall amounts," according to a Thursday update on the National Weather Service website. "Stay up-to-date on the forecast and plan ahead for possible travel impacts in the region."

As for this weekend's snow, minor accumulations — between one to two inches — are expected to fall after midnight on Saturday and continue through 6 a.m., which could lead to slippery roadways, according to the National Weather Service. The greatest impact is expected east of interstates 55 and 57.

Additional waves of light snow are expected Saturday through early Sunday, which could lead to reduced visibility and localized coatings of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

Here is a look at the weather forecast for the Algonquin and Lake in the Hills area for the coming days:

• Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 36. South wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 10 mph.
• Friday night: Snow likely, mainly after 3am. Cloudy, with a low around 28. East southeast wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
• Saturday: A 40 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a high near 35. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
• Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 28. West wind around 5 mph. Sunday: A 20 percent chance of snow before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
• Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.
• Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37.
• Monday Night: Snow likely, mainly after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 31.
• Tuesday: Snow before noon, then rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 33. Breezy.
• Tuesday Night: Snow likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 26. Blustery.
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. Breezy.

Meanwhile, publics works crews will be ready in Algonquin and Lake in the Hills to hit the streets if snow gets dumped on the area. Residents in Algonquin can report snow and ice control concerns online here. The report is sent directly to the village's snow plowing operations team in the field and is the best way to communicate with them during and after the snow event, according to the village's website.