Snowstorm coming to Illinois this weekend: Timeline – NBC Chicago

Editor’s note: Find the latest updates on the approaching snowstorm here.

A major snowstorm will move across the Central Plains this weekend, bringing heavy snow, ice and potentially hazardous travel conditions to several Midwestern states, including Illinois.

But when exactly should it happen and where?

According to the National Weather Service, the storm — which is expected to impact Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and parts of the east and south — will begin developing Saturday evening.

The biggest impact in Illinois will occur Sunday afternoon and Monday night, NBC 5 meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said, with current forecast models showing up to eight inches of snow near the I -74.

Farther south in the state, Jeanes said, a wintry mix of ice and snow is likely.

If the storm moves further north, it could cut off parts of the Chicago area, with potential accumulating snow and travel impacts Sunday into Monday and early next week.

“There is one set of models keeping the system completely south of the Chicago area, and another set of models bringing up to 3 inches of snow for us; with more snow for the Kankakee River Valley,” he said. Jeanes said.

Jeanes added that “there will be a steep slope of significantly lower totals at the northern edge” of the system. For those on the southern edge, ice and potentially severe weather are more likely.

Winter storm forecast: how much snow and where?

So where can we expect to get the most snow?

Here is an overview of the latest projects, as of Friday morning:

In St. Louis, the National Weather Service warned of hazardous weekend travel conditions associated with the storm, with snow-covered roads and freezing rain possible.

“Travel should be avoided on Sundays, if possible,” the NWS said.

The winter storm will also impact Indiana, with a winter storm watch expected to go into effect at 1 p.m. Sunday along and south of US 24.

“Accumulating snow and travel impacts are likely,” the NWS said, with the storm likely to threaten commutes Monday morning.

Although uncertainty remains over the timing and location of the storm’s track, the latest storm forecasts call for heavy snow and ice across much of the Midwest through Tuesday, including in the Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.

“Expect potentially hazardous travel conditions in some locations,” the NWS said.

The most likely outcome for the Chicago area will be more localized lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan, with one to three inches of snow possible in some parts.