Chicagoans brace for a barrage of snow as multiple winter weather advisories go into effect today. Snow showers are expected to begin after 8 a.m., with temperatures hovering at a high near 19 degrees and wind chill values dipping as low as -3, according to the National Weather Service. Commuters will face gusty winds reaching up to 25 mph tonight and should expect a total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches.
Adding to the winter woes, lake effect snow is set to hit areas near Lake Michigan particularly hard. A Winter Storm Warning has been announced for Lake and Porter counties in Indiana, expected to last from 3 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Saturday. A Winter Storm Watch will also be in play for Cook County, Illinois, from 6 p.m. Friday until 12 p.m. Saturday, signaling a significant snow event, especially close to the lakeshore, as reported by CBS News Chicago.
The snowfall isn't forecasted to relent over the weekend, with an 80% chance of snow showers on Saturday and the potential for 1 to 2 additional inches of accumulation. The series of snow events suggests a high-impact situation for the city, with Albert Ramon, CBS News Chicago Chief Meteorologist, warning of "a snow squall with gusty winds and low visibility" expected to strike Friday morning and cause treacherous travel conditions, as per CBS News Chicago.
Following Friday's squall, another major band of lake effect snow is anticipated Friday night into Saturday morning for Northwest Indiana. Snowfall rates could exceed two inches per hour in some regions, "with localized totals over six inches and up to a foot where the band stalls," especially in Northwest Indiana, as stated by CBS News Chicago's coverage.
Weekend temperatures will remain below freezing, with a brief respite on Sunday when skies clear to bring some sunshine, although the thermometer will only reach a high near 26. Relay on the National Weather Service for continual updates and safety advisories throughout these tumultuous winter conditions.
