Weekend Snow: What You Need To Know

3:00am Update: A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Ogle, Lee, and DeKalb counties from 9:00pm Saturday until 9:00pm Sunday.

9:00pm Update:  Our Winter Storm Watch has been expanded to include Jo Daviess and Stephenson for Saturday night and Sunday.

7:00pm Update: While snow totals could be significant (6"+ in some spots) this weekend, we are more concerned with the snow and wind combining to create dangerous driving conditions, especially on Sunday. Click on the YouTube video below for an update on this weekend's next storm.

10:30am Update:  A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Winnebago, Boone, McHerny, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, Carroll and Whiteside counties beginning Saturday evening and lasting through Sunday evening.






Snow moves in for the weekend and for some in Illinois, the totals will add up.  As it looks right now, Friday morning, the heaviest axis of snow will fall from north-central Illinois southward through I-80.  Areas from Sterling, Dixon, Amboy, Paw Paw, Steward and Shabbona could receive in excess of six inches of snow.

Two main systems will work together this weekend to bring snow through Sunday night.  One low is off the coast of British Columbia, with the second in the southwestern United States.  While there are still some uncertainties with the exact track of the snow, the timing is pretty much set.

Timing:  Saturday morning through early afternoon will stay dry with temperatures in the low to mid 30's.  A light mix may develop south of Rockford with the leading edge of the precipitation during the late afternoon, but then quickly switch over to snow during the evening and overnight.  Look for the snow to begin around 6pm Saturday and become heaviest from around 10pm Saturday through 9am/10am Sunday.  Snow will continue to fall during the afternoon Sunday before winding down by Sunday evening.  In all, some snow amounts could exceed six inches across northern Illinois.  Travel will become heavily impacted once the snow begins Saturday night and continue through mid-day Sunday.  This means Sunday morning will experience snow covered roads, wind, and very poor travel conditions.  The snow will begin with a little more weight Saturday evening with temperatures in the low 30's, but then turn lighter as the temperature falls through the 20's Sunday.  Winds will increase from the northeast Sunday causing blowing and drifting snow.

Amounts:  Again, snow totals adding up to over 6 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts found to the south of Rockford.  A swath of 3" to 6" of snow is possible from the state line south through I-88, and in excess of 6 inches from I-88 southward.  From the model runs last night through this morning, the storm track has shifted slightly further north which has bumped up some of the higher totals further north.  This does look to be a high impact event with the snow causing travel issues Sunday.   If you have any last minute plans or errands you need to finish this weekend, I would suggest getting them done Saturday morning so when the snow does begin, you won't need to travel.  If you're heading out for the Super Bowl, consider your route and the amount of time needed to get there.  The earlier you travel, the more hazardous the weather will likely be.  We'll continue with updates through the evening and weekend so continue to check back.  While this isn't going to be the Groundhog Day blizzard of 2011, it will be impactful for travel.