A winter storm warning has been issued and forecasters say five to eight inches of snow are possible along with high winds in Lake and McHenry counties Saturday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) initially issued a winter weather advisory Friday morning.
The weather service upgraded the advisory to a winter storm warning Friday afternoon.
The storm warning covers Lake, McHenry, Boone, Winnebago and Ogle counties.
Rain will begin to lift northward Friday evening and transition to snow across far northern Illinois after midnight, the NWS said.
The heaviest snow and impacts are expected to occur between 4-11 a.m. Saturday before precipitation slows through the afternoon.
Heavy snowfall, with accumulations of five to eight inches, is possible, the NWS said.
Snow rates of up to two inches per hour are likely in some areas. North to northwest winds could gust as high as 35 mph.
Roads will become snow-covered and travel will become difficult early Saturday morning.
The combination of heavy wet snow and gusty winds may result in downed tree limbs and sporadic power outages, the NWS said.
The NWS said that the heavy and wet nature of the snow will make shoveling hazardous.
Motorists are recommended to not drive during the snow unless necessary.
The latest road conditions for Illinois can be found online from the Illinois Department of Transportation at www.gettingaroundillinois.com.