Spring snow has arrived in the Chicago area as a winter weather advisory continues and slushy conditions are expected to last throughout the Wednesday morning commute and into the afternoon.
By early Wednesday morning, snow was already falling in some areas to the north and west, including Lake, McHenry, Kendall, Kane and DeKalb counties. A winter weather advisory for McHenry and DeKalb counties was in effect until noon, according to the National Weather Service.
“Slush accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected,” the advisory states. “Winds are gusting up to 40 mph. Expect slippery travel areas on untreated and elevated roads as well as periods of reduced visibility. Hazardous conditions could impact morning travel.”
The NWS also warned of reduced visibility due to wet snow and gusty winds.
“Prepare for additional travel time for the morning commute,” the tweet said.
Around 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, NBC 5 Traffic reporter Kye Martin reported that flakes were falling on I-88 in Aurora, creating slippery and wet road conditions.
According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, snow in northern and western counties is expected to continue to fall throughout the day, with accumulations more likely in the afternoon. By 11 a.m., snow could become more widespread, said NBC 5 meteorologist Alicia Roman, although temperatures in Cook and Will counties may only sustain precipitation as rain.
“There may be some rain staying in the city,” Roman said, as drizzle fell in Cook County early Wednesday. “It could be a rain-snow mix depending on where you are.”
Rain and snow are expected to persist across the region until 8 p.m., with some showers and flakes lingering overnight. This precipitation could continue until 8 a.m. Thursday, Roman said.
Around midday Thursday, another round of wintry weather with a mix of rain and snow was forecast, Roman said, although warming temperatures could prevent snowy conditions.
High temperatures on Wednesday are expected to be in the low to mid 30s, Roman said, which would cause some of the falling snow to turn straight into slush.
“A lot of it is melting because the road temperature is still above freezing,” Roman said of the falling flakes. Yet on Wednesday it was expected to feel more like winter than spring.
“Just a windy, raw, cool Wednesday,” Roman said.
How much snow could fall?
In McHenry, DeKalb, Winnebago, Boone, Ogle and Lee counties, where a winter weather advisory remained in effect, one to three inches of snow could fall, the NWS said. Northern parts of Lake County are also seeing some small accumulations, Roman said.
NBC Chicago
