The snow is falling this morning throughout Lake and McHenry counties, but weather officials warn that the heaviest snow is expected to start falling later Saturday afternoon.
The National Weather Service said a winter storm warning remains in effect through Sunday morning. Still, the agency reduced the amount of snowfall expected in Lake and McHenry counties to 7 inches to 11 inches through the evening.
The winter storm is still expected to bring widespread accumulating snow and impact travel to the region today through tonight, officials said.
Less than a half-inch of snow has already fallen across the area, the Community Rain, Hail and Snow Network has posted on their website.
The bulk of the accumulating snow is expected to fall between 12 p.m. through 8 p.m. Saturday, officials said.
Lingering snow showers and lake effect snow could continue through the overnight hours.
Officials said up to 1 inch per hour can accumulate between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, with wind gusts of 30 mph affecting the area.
The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are warning that this winter storm will have major impacts for travellers heading out for the end of the Thanksgiving travel period.
The public should plan accordingly for deteriorating conditions this morning, with heavy snow, reduced visibility, and slick, slippery conditions, resulting in much longer travel times, officials said.
“While we are prepared and ready to devote all of our resources to the latest winter weather event, this weekend’s storm will hit when millions of people are returning home from the holiday,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “Please make a plan to keep you and your loved ones safe, including adjusting travel so you are not on the roads when conditions are at their worst.”
IDOT officials have been pretreating roads and loading plows with salt and other materials in preparation for the heavy snow. Crews will be out in force later today, with clean-up efforts continuing into Sunday.
Statewide, IDOT has nearly 1,900 trucks and equipment available to spread salt, plow snow and respond to weather emergencies as needed across more than 45,000 lane miles.
People are also urged to check the forecast before leaving and make sure someone is aware of your route and schedule, fill up your gas tank or fully charge your vehicle, pack winter weather essentials such as a cellphone charger, traction materials, warm clothes, blankets, food, bottled water, first-aid kit, washer fluid and ice scraper, and give other motorists and snow plows working distance.
People involved in a crash are also asked to remain inside their vehicle, as exiting a vehicle during inclement weather with reduced visibility can have fatal consequences.