Winter Threat Update: 1-3-14

The First Warn Weatherisk is going to be at High over the next several days and taking a look at the forecast, it's easy to see why. Personally, I think it's easiest to break the forecast down into three major events: Wind tonight, snow on Saturday, and extreme cold Sunday into next week.

Let's start with tonight. A Winter Weather Advisory will remain in effect for most of the Stateline through Saturday morning as wind gusts up to 40mph will cause near-zero visibility and significant blowing and drifting, especially on east and west roads. Use extra caution if you have to go out.

A round of snow will move in Saturday morning and last through the day, giving most areas 1-2" of accumulation. Snow could linger into Sunday, giving areas south of Rockford an extra inch of snow.

After the snow moves out, extreme cold moves in. Starting Sunday afternoon, temperatures are forecast to dip below zero and stay that way through Wednesday morning. While actual temperatures will be well below zero, wind chills are still the main concern. The worst of the wind chills will be between Sunday night and Tuesday morning. During that period, wind chills could drop as low as -50° in spots! In those kind of conditions, frostbite can develop in just minutes, so make sure to be extra careful if you have to go out next week. -BA