A cold front bringing more snow is on its way to the Chicago area as a winter storm warning and advisory for northern Illinois that began early Friday morning continues through the afternoon .
According to the National Weather Service, the cold front was expected to arrive between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., “a quick glimpse of higher snow rates and slippery travel” was expected, particularly in areas north of I-80, the NWS said thethe platform formerly known as Twitter.
The front is expected to linger into the evening, the NWS said, with snow showers around Lake Michigan until 9 p.m.
How much snow could fall and where?
As of Friday evening, snow was already beginning to accumulate, with higher snow totals reported in far northern Illinois counties.
In McHenry, snow accumulations totaled 5 inches, the NWS said in an alert. In Waukegan, the snow was up to three inches.
In Palatine, snow accumulations were lower, at just an inch, the NWS said. In Chicago, quick “bursts” of snow accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms were reported, the NBC 5 Storm Team said.
With more snow to come, these totals could climb even higher.
According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, McHenry was expected to see six inches or more of snow in total. In Lake County, amounts between two and five inches were expected, with larger totals near the Illinois-Wisconsin border.
Areas additionally see between one and two inches, Roman said.
“Chicago, you can see about an inch or less,” Roman added.
The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation said it deployed salt spreaders overnight in response to the snow.
“Residents are urged to use caution when traveling, especially during the morning commute,” a department news release states. “Please allow extra time and drive according to conditions, leaving plenty of space between cars.
As winter weather continues, snow is expected to remain mostly north of I-80, with a rain-snow mix south of the interstate, the NWS said.
Wide temperature range
Temperatures are also expected to vary Friday, with highs in the 30s and 40s to the north. In the south, where rain was expected, temperatures could reach 50 degrees.
Snow showers could linger Saturday morning, Roman said, before clouds lift to give way to sunshine. Highs on Saturday are expected to stay in the 30s.
Sunday’s forecast called for a cloudier but warmer day, with highs in the mid-40s, Roman said.
Snowfall in spring?
Spring snowfall is right in line with what the Chicago area typically experiences, according to the National Weather Service. According to the NWS, Chicago’s average snowfall for the month of March is 5.5 inches.
NBC Chicago
