A winter weather advisory has been issued for Lake County and Cook County ahead of up to seven inches of snow possible in parts of the Chicagoland area Saturday into Sunday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter weather advisory early Saturday morning for Lake County, northern Cook County and central Cook County.
The advisory will be in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday through 6 p.m. Sunday.
The NWS said a prolonged period of accumulating fluffy snow and associated hazardous travel is expected late Saturday into Sunday.
The highest snowfall totals and most significant travel impacts are expected to occur near and east of Interstate 55 and along the Lake Michigan shore.
There will be greater uncertainty farther to the west, the NWS said.
Lake effect snow will likely persist into Sunday evening, particularly for parts of northwest Indiana.
Total snow accumulations could vary greatly in northeastern Illinois, with McHenry County seeing up to an inch while far southeastern Lake County could see up to seven inches.
The highest snowfall will be within a few miles of the lakeshore, the advisory said. Lower snow totals are forecasted across western portions of Lake and northern Cook counties.
Roads, bridges and overpasses will likely become slick and hazardous, the advisory said.
The NWS said motorists should be prepared for slippery roads and slow down and use caution while driving.
“If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury,” the weather service said.
The NWS said that during lake effect snow, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away.
“Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions,” the advisory said.
The snow comes amid bitterly cold conditions continuing Saturday morning, with wind chills as low as 20-30 below zero across northern Illinois. Conditions are expected to improve by Saturday afternoon.