The National Weather Service has upgraded a heavy winter storm moving into the area tonight, saying Lake and McHenry counties could receive 8 to 12 inches of snow between early Saturday morning and Sunday morning.
National Weather Service officials upgraded to a winter storm warning starting at 3 a.m. Saturday morning through 6 a.m. Sunday.
The snow is expected to move in around 3 a.m. Saturday morning, when temperatures drop to around 22 degrees, officials said.
The chance of precipitation is 90% at 3 a.m., but snow accumulation is only expected to be less than a half inch before the sun comes up.
The chance of precipitation jumps to 100% Saturday morning, with new snow accumulation expected to range between 4 and 8 inches throughout the day.
High temperatures will reach about 30 degrees, and wind gusts can reach as high as 25 mph.
New snow accumulation overnight Saturday into Sunday is expected to be about 2 to 4 inches, officials said.
In total, officials said heavy snow accumulations could reach between 8 and 12 inches throughout Lake and McHenry counties.
Motorists hitting the roadways Saturday and Sunday are warned that travel could be “very difficult” into Sunday as the area cleans up after the snowfall.
People who must travel are urged to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency.
For the latest road conditions in Illinois, people should head over to gettingaroundillinois.com.