Snow accumulation is expected early Saturday morning into Saturday afternoon in the northern Illinois area. | Graphic via NWS

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Lake and McHenry counties in anticipation of four to seven inches of snow Saturday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Friday morning issued the advisory for Lake, McHenry, Ogle, Winnebago and Boone counties.

The advisory will be in effect from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Rain will transition to snow Friday evening into Saturday across areas near and north of Interstate 88, the NWS said.

Several inches of snow accumulation is possible across parts of far northern Illinois.

The NWS said that a “tight gradient” in snow totals is expected to occur near the Interstate 88 and Interstate 90 corridors.

Periods of heavy snow will be possible early Saturday morning. Snow rates could peak at one to 1.5 inches per hour.

Total snow accumulations of 4-7 inches are expected, with higher amounts possible locally.

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“Exercise caution if you encounter snow on the roads tonight and tomorrow,” the winter advisory said.

The heavy and wet nature of the snow will make shoveling hazardous, the NWS said.

The latest road conditions for Illinois can be found online from the Illinois Department of Transportation at www.gettingaroundillinois.com.