Suburbs bracing for season's first big snow
The Chicago area is gearing up for up to 8 inches of snow, which is expected to fall between a 24-hour period starting Thursday morning.
A winter weather advisory went into effect starting at 9 a.m. today for the blustering snowstorm, according to the National Weather Service.
In addition to the snow, wind gusts up to 35 mph are expected with sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph.
The strong winds will cause considerable blowing and drifting snow and are expected to make Thursday's afternoon commute difficult due to limited visibility.
State transportation and law enforcement officials want motorists to prepare for winter driving conditions.
State officials say they're making sure crews and emergency equipment are available. Illinois officials are encouraging motorists to slow down, wear seatbelts and be aware of snow plows.
Electricity provider Commonwealth Edison says its workers have inspected and done maintenance on more than 850 substations ahead of the forecasted storm.
Forecasters are predicting 6 to 8 inches of snow for all of Cook and Lake counties and the eastern portions of McHenry and DuPage counties. Western McHenry and DuPage counties along with Kane County are expected to receive 4 and 6 inches, according to the weather center.
Highs in the 30s are expected Thursday morning and will drop throughout the day to the low teens by night. Wind chills are forecast to drop to near zero overnight.
The majority of the snow is expected to fall into the night Thursday, but light snow showers will continue into Friday morning before the winter advisory ends at 9 a.m. There is a slight chance that light snow will continue to fall Friday afternoon.
As of Wednesday night, only 1.9 inches of snow has been recorded in the Chicago area.
Low temperatures will continue throughout the weekend, with highs forecast in the lower 20s for Friday and in the mid 20s Saturday.