
The weather service is warning about a significant winter storm expected in the Midwest that will bring the potential for accumulating snow in Lake County and other parts of the Chicagoland area.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said Friday that a winter storm will bring accumulating snow to much of Illinois on Sunday into Monday.
The highest snow totals and greatest travel impacts are expected across central Illinois.
Lake effect snow showers are expected over parts of northeastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana on Sunday evening into Monday, the NWS said.
The weather service said the exact track of the storm system, including the placement of a potentially sharp gradient in snow totals, remains uncertain.
Uncertainty also remains regarding the impactfulness of lake effect snow near Lake Michigan on Sunday evening into Monday in the Chicagoland area, including Lake County.
The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police issued a statement Friday advising the public about the “significant winter storm,” which is anticipated to create dangerous travel conditions throughout much of the state with several inches of snow, heavy icing, high winds and severe cold.
Slick and slippery conditions, reduced visibility, subzero wind chills and much longer travel times are expected.
“The team at IDOT is prepared for the first major snow-and-ice event of the season, but we ask for your cooperation as well,” said Lora Rensing, IDOT’s chief engineer and director of highways project implementation.
“The safest option during severe winter weather always is to avoid unnecessary trips and stay home to minimize risk. If you must travel, please monitor the latest forecast and consider adjusting your plans, if necessary. Conditions at times could become treacherous,” Rensing said.
IDOT said the heaviest snow is expected along Interstates 70 and 72, with 8-12 inches anticipated in Quincy, Springfield, Champaign and Effingham.
Lower amounts are expected to the south and north. The Chicago area could see up to four inches, IDOT said.
Periods of sleet and freezing rain south of Interstate 64 could result in areas of heavy ice accumulations that damage trees and power lines.
IDOT has more than 1,800 trucks and equipment available statewide to treat roads, spread salt, plow snow and respond to weather emergencies as needed.
IDOT said it is pretreating areas prone to icing, though wind gusts as high as 35 mph will cause blowing and drifting snow into the weekend.
Bitter cold temperatures are also forecast for the northern part of the state, with wind chills below zero.
“Snow, ice and cold temperatures can make driving conditions more dangerous,” said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen.
“If you have to drive, slow down and give yourself more space between the vehicles around you. Even if the roads don’t look bad, looks can be deceiving, so give yourself extra time,” Owen said.