The Chicago area will see the return of snow late Thursday with the heaviest accumulations concentrated in areas near Lake Michigan. Therefore, Lake County and northern and central Cook will be under a winter storm watch between 2 a.m. and noon on Friday. In addition, Dupage County and southern Cook County, as well as Lake, Indiana, will be under a Winter Weather Advisory from 3 am to 10 am. Drivers are urged to be cautious as snow is expected to impact morning traffic.
Heavy, persistent snow bands are expected from approximately eastern Lake County and Chicago, IL to Gary, IN, which could leave 4-6 inches of accumulation but up to 8 inches is not ruled out in some locations. The heaviest part of the snow could occur between 2 to 10 am on Friday, however even into the afternoon lighter and scattered snow could be present.
- Until tonight (Thursday): Flakes begin to enter the area expanding to counties such as Lake, Dupage and Will. The temperature at midnight will range from 10 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit. During the morning, a band of snow will gain intensity and will be located over central and southern Cook County and northern Lake County in Indiana, beginning to accumulate.
- Tomorrow (Friday): Snow will continue to be heavy over much of the same locations impacting morning rush hour traffic with slippery roads and poor visibility. While accumulation can be several inches in the most affected areas, the rest of the area is expected to be no more than a few inches and even far from the lake the sun could be present. With the entry of north wind, a drop in temperature is expected, the maximum barely between 17 to 20 degrees.
Lake effect snow, possibly heavy, is expected to affect portions of Chicago, the south suburbs, and Lake County Indiana late tonight into Friday morning. The heavy snow could result in locally difficult and potentially hazard travel Friday morning, including during rush hour. pic.twitter.com/EHSlSX4UeE
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) January 27, 2022