Accumulating Snow and Then Very Cold!

Winter Weather Advisories have been posted for much of northern Illinois for today. Going into effect at 11am for Jo Daviess, Carroll, and Stephenson counties. The Winter Weather Advisory will go into effect for Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Lee, and DeKalb county at noon today and lasting through this evening.
There is also a Winter Storm Warning in place for Whiteside county today, with higher totals expected.

Snow will begin near the Mississippi River around 10am this morning and head east, closer to Rockford around noon and 1pm. This will be a quick hitting system, but also an efficient snow producer. Higher snow totals will be seen just north of the front and incoming energy, and will taper off to the north.

The snow will be ending in the evening tonight, between 8pm and midnight. In terms of snow totals, southern Wisconsin can expect about 1-2" of snow, 2-3" near Rockford, and 3-4" south and west of the Rockford area, especially near Sterling. Four plus inches of snow will be possible in the Winter Storm Warning areas, with areas in and near the Quad Cities picking up between 4-6" of snow. This will be a fluffy snow that will be able to add up with cold surface temperatures.

Steady to moderate snow will be falling around the afternoon rush, which will cause difficult driving conditions. With very cold surface air, snow covered roads and slick spots will be likely across the area. You'll want to be extra careful on the commute home this afternoon and evening with lowered visibility as the snow falls, and slick roads possible. Make sure to flip on your low beams and leave extra travel distances between you and other vehicles.

Winds will remain light today, so blowing snow won't be a concern. However, winds pick up out of the northwest early Saturday, and some blowing snow could be possible.

After the snow today, the forecast into the New Year remains dry but very cold with another arctic air mass taking aim across most of the area. Highs for much of next week will remain in the single digits, with overnight lows dropping well below zero. Its possible to have wind chills Monday and Tuesday morning near -20° to -30°! Wind Chill Advisories and Warnings will be possible. Make sure to stay tuned for updates!