Where to expect snow and ice during a winter storm in Illinois – NBC Chicago

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

Snow, ice and potentially severe weather are expected to hit parts of the Midwest this week, but there will likely be a sharp dividing line for snow when the system hits.

According to NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes, “there will be a strong gradient of significantly lower totals over the northern edge” of the system. For those on the southern edge, ice and potentially severe weather are more likely.

The major winter storm system is expected to move across the Central Plains this weekend, dumping heavy snow in parts of Illinois early Sunday, with “significant impacts” in the southern part of the state, a Jeanes said.

Current forecast models show up to six to eight inches of snow south of I-74, Jeanes said. Further south, a wintry mix of ice and snow is likely, he added.

If the storm moves further north, it could cut off parts of the Chicago area Sunday into Monday.

“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.

Winter Storm Forecast Map

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 issued beginning 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.