Forecasters say accumulating snow will bring slippery travel conditions to the Chicago area on New Year’s Eve followed by wind chills dropping to around zero.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said the weather for New Year’s Eve will be highlighted by accumulating light snow on Wednesday afternoon.
The snow will be followed by cold conditions on Wednesday evening.
Motorists should expect slippery travel conditions, particularly in the afternoon, the NWS said.
Residents should also plan accordingly for falling temperatures and blustery conditions leading up to midnight.
The NWS said periods of snow could bring accumulations up to an inch and winds northwest at 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
Flurries will linger into mid-evening with snow expected between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Temperatures will fall from the 20s into the teens during the evening, the NWS said. Wind chill values will be around zero by midnight.
The coldest temperatures will be in the far northern Illinois counties bordering Wisconsin, including Lake, McHenry and Winnebago.
The NWS also warned that snow would develop across the region on Tuesday evening.
Amounts of a coating to an inch were expected and would lead to slippery conditions, particularly on elevated, untreated or less traveled surfaces.
“Use extra caution if traveling this evening, increase your following distance, and allow for extra time to reach your destination,” the weather service said.