Winter Weather Coverage Continues

10:10am Update: Lake effect snow showers will continue across portions of Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, DeKalb and far eastern Ogle and Lee counties this morning.  Light accumulation is expected - but visibility could be reduced in some spots.

8:00am Update:  The storm system in the southern Plains continues to rapidly intensify this morning and as it moves northward it could actually push higher snowfall totals and severe blizzard conditions further across northwest Illinois.  So the 6"- 10" swath may be included within the general 10"- 16" range.  If need be, I will update the snowfall total map later this morning.  

Blizzard Warnings have now been issued for the entire WTVO viewing area beginning at 3pm today and lasting through Wednesday morning.  We did see a little light snow through the overnight with totals ranging anywhere between 1"- 2" (a few isolated higher amounts) creating just a few slick spots this morning - nothing too significant. 

There have been a few school closings for today with some of the blowing and drifting in the rurals areas with the little bit of snow we did see and already had on the ground. 

Light snow will continue this morning with maybe a little break by early afternoon.  The current forecast still looks on track.  I anticipate the leading edge of this storm to move in by early this afternoon and overspread northern Illinois/southern Wisconsin later today.  We could see a couple inches of snow initially before the heavier snow arrives later tonight.  As this system moves in from the south there still remains the possibility of thundersnow which would create snowfall rates up to 3"/hour for some.  Winds will increase throughout the afternoon and evening which will likely create blizzard and white-out conditions tonight.

Totals will likely range from roughly 6" across far northwestern parts of Illinois up to 16" (maybe higher) to the southeast of Rockford.  I do want to stress that if anyone does see any type of thundersnow or heavier bursts of snow, there could be a few isolated higher totals.  Snow to water ratios will likely change throughout the duration of this storm but as winds gust to near 40mph tonight and early Wednesday morning, significant blowing and drifting will occur.  I want you to try not to focus so much on the totals for this system, because whether we receive 6" or 16" - it's the blowing and drifting that are going to be the main concerns later tonight.  Travel will not be advised after about 8pm tonight and into Wednesday morning.

We will continue to keep you updated throughout the afternoon and evening as this storm moves in.  Don't forget if you have any questions regarding this system, leave your comment, and we will get them answered for you!