Midwest snowstorm, lake-effect snow dominate Sunday forecast – NBC Chicago

A massive winter storm is expected to hit a large swath of the United States on Sunday and Monday, while lake-effect snow could impact commuting in Chicago.

According to the National Weather Service, winter storm warnings are in effect for central and southern Illinois, as well as central and southern Indiana, starting Sunday evening and continuing through Monday.

Heavy snowfall is expected across the southern part of the state, with 6 to 12 inches of snow possible in the hardest-hit areas, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.

Additionally, ice accumulations could occur in areas of southern Illinois and Indiana, which could hamper traffic for days as cold weather makes it difficult for ice to melt from power lines and highways. roads in the region, which would lead Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb to activate the state’s National. Guard for emergency response assistance.

As for the Chicago area, the winter storm will not impact the area, but lake-effect snow is expected to develop Sunday evening and persist through Monday morning, with winds howling across Lake Michigan and creating a large plume of snow that could extend as far as Will. and Kankakee in Illinois, as well as Lake and Newton counties in Indiana.

The heaviest snow accumulations are expected in areas closer to the lake, with the city of Chicago, parts of Will and Kankakee counties and parts of Lake, Porter and Newton counties receiving up to three inches of snow before The plume is only moving east, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team.

Other areas south of Chicago could see minor accumulations of about an inch of snow, forecast models show.

Areas west of Chicago should see little to no snow accumulation due to wind direction.

As for temperatures, they will continue to be slightly below normal, with highs in the mid-20s on Sunday, a trend that will continue largely throughout the week. A brief dip in temperatures is expected midweek, with highs in the 20s, but a slow warming trend will bring temperatures back toward their seasonal averages of around 30 degrees by the weekend.

NBC 5 Storm Team forecasters are watching for another chance of accumulating snow late in the week, with several inches of snow possible in the Chicago area Friday and Saturday, depending on the final track of the next storm system. storm.

Stay tuned to the NBC 5 Storm Team for all the latest news on this weekend’s winter storm, plus live radar feeds and updated forecasts throughout the day.