Chicago-area residents awoke Sunday morning to an unwelcome reminder that winter has firmly arrived, as snowflakes started falling throughout the area and moist, slippery circumstances sophisticated early morning journey. Meteorologists attribute the wintry climate to a lake-effect band creating over Lake Michigan, setting the stage for what may develop into a major winter storm occasion.
Whereas most areas throughout the Chicago area are anticipated to obtain lower than an inch of slushy accumulation on Sunday, northwestern Indiana faces significantly worse circumstances, with projected snowfall totals starting from one to a few inches. Nevertheless, the actual concern lies forward as heavier snowfall threatens to maneuver into the metropolitan space later within the day.
Temperature Plunge Provides to Winter Woes
Sunday’s temperatures dropped into the 30s, however gusty winds reaching speeds as much as 35 mph created wind chill values that made it really feel just like the 20s throughout the area. Forecasters warn that temperatures will proceed their downward pattern, falling into the 20s Sunday night time all through your entire space. This temperature drop, mixed with moisture from Lake Michigan, creates very best circumstances for intense lake-effect snow improvement.
AccuWeather Alert Issued for Harmful Journey
ABC7 meteorologists have issued an AccuWeather Alert spanning from Sunday night time via Monday, warning residents that probably harmful journey circumstances may materialize Sunday night and persist in a single day into the Monday morning commute. The depth of the anticipated snowfall has raised severe issues amongst climate officers.
In some areas, snow may fall at an alarming fee of three to 5 inches per hour Sunday night time into Monday morning. Such intense snowfall charges can rapidly overwhelm street crews and create whiteout circumstances that make journey extraordinarily hazardous.
Chicago Might See Historic Snowfall Totals
Essentially the most regarding forecast requires Chicago and northwestern Indiana to probably obtain greater than 12 inches of snow underneath essentially the most intense lake-effect bands in a single day. These slim however highly effective snow bands can produce dramatically completely different snowfall totals over brief distances, which means some neighborhoods may see considerably extra accumulation than others simply miles away.
Even after essentially the most intense snowfall ends, gentle and intermittent snow showers are anticipated to linger via Monday afternoon, probably complicating cleanup efforts and the night commute as nicely.
A number of Counties Underneath Winter Storm Warnings
Native officers have issued quite a few winter storm warnings and advisories throughout the area, reflecting the intense nature of the approaching climate system.
LaPorte County in Indiana faces the longest period warning, with a Winter Storm Warning in impact from 4 p.m. Sunday via midnight Tuesday. Indiana’s Lake and Porter counties are underneath a Winter Storm Warning from 9 p.m. Sunday till 6 p.m. Monday.
On the Illinois aspect, Lake County’s Winter Storm Warning runs from 9 p.m. Sunday till 6 a.m. Monday, whereas Prepare dinner and Will counties face warnings from 9 p.m. Sunday via midday Monday. Kankakee County’s warning extends from midnight to midday Monday.
Advisories Increase Regional Affect
Past the warnings, Winter Climate Advisories have been issued for extra counties. DuPage and Will counties are underneath advisory from 9 p.m. Sunday till midday Monday, whereas Indiana‘s Newton and Jasper counties face advisory circumstances from midnight via 6 p.m. Monday.
Residents Urged to Put together
The mix of heavy snowfall charges, gusty winds, and extended period creates a probably harmful scenario for anybody who should journey in the course of the storm. Authorities are urging residents to keep away from pointless journey in the course of the warning durations and to permit additional time for important journeys.
Those that should enterprise out ought to guarantee their autos are winter-ready, with totally charged telephones, emergency provides, and full gasoline tanks. The speedy snowfall charges anticipated may strand motorists who’re unprepared for the circumstances.
As Chicago prepares for this important winter climate occasion, residents are reminded to test the newest forecasts and keep knowledgeable about altering circumstances all through the storm.
Supply: ABC7 Eyewitness Information
