Forecasters are warning Chicago-area residents to use extreme caution on roadways Tuesday evening as additional snowfall and strong winds could create dangerous driving conditions.
A winter storm warning for McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane and LaSalle counties in Illinois has been extended until 4 a.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.
These areas could see an additional 3 to 5 inches of snow before the winter storm finally moves out of the region Wednesday morning.
A winter weather warning is in effect for the rest of the Chicago area counties until Wednesday morning. Much of Cook State and all of Will County could see an additional 1 to 3 inches of snow in areas away from Lake Michigan. DuPage, Kendall and Grundy counties could see 2 to 4 inches of snow by 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Significant traffic impacts are also possible in these areas, with Glen Ellyn Police asking motorists to avoid St. Charles Road due to ice buildup.
Finally, Kankakee County and northwestern Indiana could see just an additional inch of snow.
Additional accumulation is 3 to 5 inches. Winds can reach up to 60 miles per hour. 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Snowfall will be heavy in some places, especially in the northern and western suburbs, where more than an inch of snow could fall per hour.
Complicating matters are the winds, which will pick up in the evening and overnight.
Wind gusts of up to 40 mph are expected in most areas, but parts of Kankakee County and northwest Indiana could see particularly strong winds, with areas near lakes likely seeing the strongest winds.
These winds not only affect heavy snow-covered tree branches and power lines, but also affect visibility on area roads, as blowing snow can cause serious concerns during the evening commute and at night. may give.
More snow is possible Wednesday and Thursday night, but Friday could bring another heavy snowfall to the region, and temperatures could drop into the single digits by Sunday.
