5 Inches Of Snow, Then -25 Wind Chill Possible: IL Weather

ILLINOIS — Up to 5 inches of snow is possible for the Chicago area as another winter weather advisory is in effect Thursday. According to the National Weather Service, the advisory extends from 11 a.m. Thursday until noon Friday for McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Will, Kendall, Grundy and Cook counties.

The weather service said total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches are possible, as well as winds up to 45 mph. There could be low visibility due to falling and blowing snow, as well as snow- and ice-covered roads. Conditions will be hazardous during the Thursday evening commute, the weather service said, with gusty winds and blowing snow causing sharply reduced visibility.

The heaviest snowfall rates will be between 2 and 6 p.m. Thursday. And then it will get cold — really cold.

Sharply falling temperatures Thursday night will also cause any wet spots to freeze quickly, the weather service said. Even-colder air will arrive Saturday through Monday and will bring wind chills frequently below zero.

The wind chill could hit minus 20 by Friday night and minus 25 by Saturday night.

With the freezing cold temperatures also comes multiple chances for snow. After a blustery Friday with the potential for blowing snow, the weather service said there are three possible rounds of accumulating snow: on Saturday evening, Sunday through Sunday evening, and on Monday. The snow on Sunday and Monday could produce several more inches of accumulation.

The extreme cold could make road treatments less effective, making travel more treacherous.

The National Weather Service advises residents to:

• Prepare buildings and vehicles for the cold.
• Limit time outdoors.
• Check on elderly neighbors and family.
• Monitor updates on accumulating snow potential.