A winter storm watch has been issued for northern and central Illinois, as well as northwest Indiana, effective from late Friday through Sunday, as announced by the National Weather Service. This advisory comes as a regional winter storm is set to sweep across the lower Great Lakes starting Saturday, posing the risk of significant snowfall during one of the year’s busiest travel weekends.
According to Brett Borchardt, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Chicago, snow flurries are anticipated to begin late Friday night, but heavier snowfall is expected on Saturday, particularly between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. This 12-hour timeframe is projected to bring the most intense snowfall, where the majority of accumulation on roadways is likely to occur.
While snow is expected to persist after sunset on Saturday, it will not accumulate as rapidly at night as it will during the day. Conditions are expected to improve after Saturday evening, with snowfall beginning to taper off overnight. Although a few snowflakes may linger into Sunday, the main impact is expected to be over by early morning.
The winter storm watch indicates that snowfall totals could exceed six inches in some areas, although it is currently too early to determine precisely which locations will be hit hardest. Even regions that receive four or five inches can expect disruption due to heavy holiday travel, making road conditions hazardous.
Earlier forecasts suggested potential strong winds, but Borchardt clarified that this system is anticipated to bring lighter winds, with occasional gusts reaching around 20 mph.
Travelers are advised to prepare for extended travel times, adjust their driving speeds for safety, maintain extra distance between vehicles, and, if feasible, consider scheduling their travel for Friday or Sunday to avoid the brunt of the snowstorm.