Alicia Roman has the details
A winter weather advisory takes effect across the Chicago area Thursday afternoon as the region prepares for a winter system that could dump several inches in some locations and may bring icy conditions to others.
The advisory was issued for DeKalb, Kane, Kankakee, DuPage, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Cook and Will counties in Illinois and Lake, Newton, Jasper and Porter counties in Indiana from 12 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday. In McHenry and Lake counties, the advisory begins at 3 p.m.
The advisory warns of anywhere from 2 to 5 inches of snowfall, with the highest totals near Lake Michigan in northeast Illinois.
In Kankakee and parts of northwest Indiana, snowfall rates could reach up to one inch per hour, with a glaze of ice adding to the mix.
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The alert warns of hazardous travel conditions across the area as snow and ice make roads slippery, particularly for the afternoon and evening commutes.
Despite some morning flurries Thursday, the main event in terms of snowy weather is expected to get underway Thursday afternoon, with widespread snow developing by noon.
Snowfall accumulations are expected to pile up beginning in the afternoon, with some locations near the Illinois-Wisconsin border potentially seeing up to six inches of snow, according to forecast models.
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Lesser-accumulations are possible in other parts of the area.
Another potential issue could arise along U.S. 24 in Illinois and Indiana, with sleet possible in Jasper and Newton counties, as well as Livingston, Ford and Iroquois counties.
Between 1-to-4 inches of snow could fall in the area, but up to one-tenth of an inch of ice is also possible as the storm pushes through.
Snow will eventually end early Friday morning, with some slippery conditions still possible as crews work to clear roadways and sidewalks.
The chance still exists of some lake-effect snow on Friday, but accumulations are unlikely, according to current forecast models.
There is some good news on the horizon after a chaotic week, with warmer temperatures and clear conditions expected on Saturday and Sunday. The highs on both days are expected to rise into the mid-to-upper 30s in Chicago, and the weather will be a precursor to a continued warming trend that will drive highs back into the 40s next week.
