The National Weather Service in Chicago continues to keep an eye on high winds today in front of potentially heavy snowfall heading to Lake and McHenry counties over the weekend.
On the National Weather Service Facebook page, officials said Rockford has received wind gusts of up to 53 mph, while Waukegan, Wheeling and West Chicago have seen winds topping out at 49 mph.
Officials said strong westerly winds, much colder temperatures, and wind-whipped snow showers and flurries are expected to move in during the busy travel day on Wednesday.
Officials said Thanksgiving Day will not be quite as windy, but will remain blustery and cold with windchills expected to reach as low as 7 degrees below zero Thursday.
Snow is expected to hit the area later Friday night and last through Saturday night.
Officials said there is a 100 percent chance of some snow accumulation overnight Friday, but officials said it remains too soon to say how much snow is expected to blanket the area.
Temperatures early Sunday morning are expected to drop to 4 degrees overnight Saturday into Sunday, officials said.
Officials said there is a potential for significant impacts to travel on Sunday due to snow-covered roads.
Officials are asking people to keep an eye on their Facebook page or visit weather.gov/Chicago for forecast updates.