Chicago winter storm update: How many inches of snow to expect and when it will hit

Chicago's first major winter storm of the season has arrived. The storm is expected to bring several inches of snow on Wednesday. Some areas may see between three to six inches of snow.

Areas near the Wisconsin border could get more than six inches, according to ABC7 AccuWeather Meteorologist Tracy Butler.

Winter storm warning for Chicago

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the entire Chicago area, affecting Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Will, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lake, and McHenry counties in Illinois, as well as Lake and Porter counties in Indiana. The advisory will be in effect from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until 3 a.m. on Thursday.


Meanwhile, a Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Racine and Kenosha counties in Wisconsin, lasting from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until 3 a.m. on Thursday.

In northern Indiana, several counties, including DeKalb, eastern St. Joseph, and Elkhart, have been placed under a Winter Storm Watch until 7 a.m. on Thursday.

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Chicago weather forecast

Meteorologist Tracy Butler has warned that the main snowstorm is expected to arrive between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., with the heaviest snowfall likely between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The evening commute is expected to face the most significant disruptions. The storm may conclude with freezing drizzle in the evening.

Chicago snowstorm preparations

Medical professionals anticipate a rise in emergency room visits due to snow and ice-related injuries. Dr Tom King from Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital said that injuries often occur when people walk their dogs in snowy conditions.

Dave Hauke from West Chicago has been checking his neighbour’s snow blower to ensure it is functioning properly, as it has not been used since November.

The Department of Streets and Sanitation and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management are reminding residents to take necessary precautions, including safe driving, avoiding overnight parking restrictions, clearing snow from pavements, and making use of warming centres.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) is urging motorists to make way for emergency vehicles, especially in the event of road accidents.

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FAQs

1. What will temperatures be like on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday?
On Wednesday, temperatures will remain around 20s°F (-6 to -1°C). On Thursday, people can expect even colder conditions, with wind chills ranging between 5°F and -5°F (-15°C and -20°C). The weather will remain calm on Friday, but snow showers are likely later in the evening.


2. What is the weather forecast for Saturday?
The ABC7 AccuWeather team is closely monitoring a storm system approaching on Saturday, which could bring additional snowfall.