Lake and McHenry counties remain under a winter storm warning as snowfall is expected to intensify with high wind gusts starting Tuesday afternoon.
The two-round snow system arrived in Illinois on Monday and is expected to continue through late Tuesday evening.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter storm warning Tuesday morning for Lake, Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, Kane and LaSalle counties.
The warning said heavy wet snow and wind gusts as high as 40-45 mph are expected.
Total snow accumulations for Lake County are 5-8 inches with the highest accumulations across western Lake County and much lower amounts near the lake, the NWS said.
Total snow accumulations for the rest of the counties in the warning, including McHenry, are expected to be 6-9 inches.
Snow rates will exceed one inch per hour at times and the strongest winds will occur this evening, the NWS said.
The winter weather will make travel conditions dangerous, the warning said.
Travel could be very difficult and impact the evening commute. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.
The storm warning is in effect until midnight Tuesday.
As of late Tuesday morning, the eastern part of Lake County has only seen rain so far. The central and western parts of the county have received snow accumulations covering the grass but roadways remain clear.
McHenry County has received measurable snowfall with the Harvard area reporting three inches of snow by 9 a.m. Tuesday and Woodstock with 2.2 inches.
Snowfall is expected to increase intensity Tuesday afternoon through early Tuesday evening in Lake and McHenry counties, the NWS said.