The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for parts of the Chicagoland area in anticipation of possibly more than six inches of snow and high winds Friday.
A winter storm watch is in effect for Kane, Cook, DuPage, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Livingston, Iroquois, Ford and Will counties.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said that a “multifaceted storm system” will move into the region late Thursday night through Friday.
A dry cold front shifted into the area Wednesday, resulting in cooling temperatures.
Rain will overspread the region Friday morning and is expected to rapidly change to snow through the late morning and afternoon, the NWS said.
The worst conditions are expected between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. due to snow falling heavily.
Snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour during the afternoon. The snow will be heavy and wet.
Northeast winds gusting to 45 mph may lead to power outages with snow plastering trees and power lines, the NWS said.
Forecasters are still uncertain exactly which areas will see the highest amounts.
Parts of Lake County and McHenry County have a “medium” probability of receiving over four inches of snow, according to a graphic released by the NWS.
Over six inches of snow in a small portion of Lake County is possible but the highest snowfall is expected southeast of Chicago near the Illinois and Indiana border.
The storm has the potential to significantly impact travel, the NWS said, adding “travel could be very difficult.”