Steady Snow, Hazardous Travel Rings in the New Year

Late-Day Wintry Mix: 

We can consider the last day of 2021 the "calm before the storm" as a fairly quiet New Year's Eve precedes the first winter storm of the season. 

Similar to Thursday, most if not all of the daylight hours Friday will be spent under mostly cloudy to overcast skies. Despite the expansive cloud cover, a light southerly to southeasterly wind will help bring our afternoon highs up by a few degrees, with most landing in the mid to upper 30s. Late in the day, a weak disturbance will help slide a frontal boundary into the region, bringing a slim chance for a scattered mix of light rain and snow. Slick spots will be a possibility. Chances look to come to an end pretty quiet, leaving us with a mostly cloudy sky as we prepare to jump into 2022. 

New Year's Day Storm:

Earlier this morning, the National Weather Service upgraded Carroll and Whiteside Counties to a Winter Storm Warning. While much of the region still sits under a Winter Storm Watch, I do think that will change as the day carries on and details about this winter storm become clearer. 

Saturday starts off quiet and cloudy, with snow chances ramping up into the mid-day hours. This morning's round of computer forecast models suggest that snow will spread quickly from the southeast to the northeast across northern Illinois and last through the remainder of New Year’s Day.

Timing & Amounts:

The steadiest and heavier snowfall rates will likely occur during the afternoon and evening, hours with a few lingering snow showers lasting into midnight Sunday morning. Not to mention that the upcoming snow potential will be accompanied by a strong northerly to northeasterly wind, with gusts peaking around 30-35 mph. 

As far as snowfall amounts, the heaviest snow axis will remain to the south and west of the viewing area. However, Rockford has the potential to see 3"-6" by Saturday night, with slightly higher totals in between highway 20 and Interstate-88. While that is great news for any snow-lovers across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, it's the complete opposite for those who plan to traveling. 

Hazardous Travel Expected:

If possible, alter your travel plans to avoid being on the roadways during the afternoon and evening. Road temperatures will be cold enough for accumulations to quickly occur. We also have to keep in mind the likelihood of blowing and drifting snow thanks to Saturday's gusty winds. 

Now, if you can’t avoid being on the roads, allow a lot of extra time and drive slower on the roads. It'll also be important to have an updated emergency kit just in case you happen to get stuck. Road conditions unfortunately will still be very questionable come Sunday morning as a moisture on the roads will quickly freeze thanks to plummeting temperatures. Even though the end of the upcoming weekend features plenty of sun, highs Sunday afternoon will be limited to the mid to upper teens. 

Winter Storm Watch issued for most of the Stateline beginning Saturday morning

 

As confidence continues to grow that a winter storm will impacts parts of the Stateline, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for most of northern Illinois beginning Saturday morning and lasting through late Saturday evening. This watch includes all our counties except for southern Wisconsin, as well as Jo Daviess and Stephenson. That's because confidence isn't quite as high yet on the impacts that snow could bring to areas that far north or northwest. Within the next 24 hours the Winter Storm Watch will most likely be changed to either a Winter Weather Advisory or Winter Storm Warning, based upon where some of the higher snow totals and impacts will occur.

A trough of low pressure currently along the West Coast will move inland later tonight and Friday. Ahead of it an area of low pressure will move across the desert Southwest and into the Midwest Saturday afternoon. Low pressure developing at the surface will begin to form over eastern Colorado, moving through Oklahoma, southern Missouri, Illinois and Indiana by Saturday evening. Severe weather is expected to develop to the south of the low, with wintry weather to the north. High pressure over the Upper Midwest will keep a cold North/Northeast wind in place for much of the day.

Snow is expected to develop and lift north Saturday morning, reaching most of northern Illinois by Noon. A steady, and at times moderate, snow can be expected for much of the afternoon and evening before tapering off both in intensity and amount by Saturday night. While the track of the low has been somewhat consistent for the last couple of days, there are still some issues that could cause the overall track - and therefore snow amounts/types - to change before Saturday.

The incoming upper portion of the storm system is what meteorologists refer to as a 'positively tilted trough'. These types of upper level typically don't produce deep and very strong surface low pressure systems. This means that the incoming low will be more elongated and not rapidly intensifying. If the upper level trough were to turn more 'negatively tilted' it *could* then push the surface low slightly further north, introducing a little more warm air into central and northern Illinois. There is also plenty of moisture for this low to ingest and produce snow and thunderstorms, but thunderstorms developing south of the low Saturday could actually hurt our snow amounts here in the Stateline. That's because the storms to the south would use up and block the Gulf moisture from reaching this far north. Something we'll need to keep an eye on as we head into Saturday. The potential is definitely there for parts of the area to receive snowfall amounts of 5" or even 6". I think that will occur more within a narrow area, or band, versus being widespread. As it looks Thursday night, the heaviest axis of snow appears to occur from roughly southern Iowa/northern Missouri, up through west-central Illinois and then towards Chicago - possibly reaching parts of Whiteside, Lee, Ogle and DeKalb counties. But again, a changing storm track will end up shifting that around. That's why we're showing, right now, where the heaviest axis of snow *may* occur, but not giving out specific totals just yet. By tomorrow (Friday) evening, we should have a better idea of how much snow will fall and who will end up seeing the heaviest amounts.

Regardless of the amount of snow that falls, whether it be three inches or six inches, the impacts will still remain high as North/Northeast winds gust to 30 mph throughout much of the afternoon and evening. This will cause whatever snow that does fall to blow around not only as it falls, but also while on the ground. Travel will become difficult and hazardous through the afternoon and evening Saturday. So if you don't have to be out, it will be best just to remain in.

Following the snow Saturday temperatures are expected to tumble, enhanced by the freshly fallen snow. Overnight lows Saturday will fall into the low teens and upper single digits, only rising into the teens Sunday. Calming winds and clear skies Sunday night will bring overnight lows down below zero degrees Monday morning! A very cold start as kids head back to school.

Dense Fog Advisory issued Thursday night

 

A DENSE FOG ADVISORY has been issued for the following counties: Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll and Whiteside until 9am Friday.  Dense fog has developed over portions of the area Thursday night, reducing visibility down to under half a mile in some spots.

Temperatures have been close to freezing for most, but are slightly below freezing across northwest Illinois.  This means that some of the fog may be freezing on contact to the ground, especially on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses.  Be mindful of slick conditions and black ice tonight and Friday morning.  Temperatures may fall another degree or two Thursday evening, but will remain pretty steady through the night.  A slight dip of the numbers in the upper 20s is possible by Friday morning.

Winter Storm Likely on New Year's Day, Frigidly Cold Air Follows

Dry End to 2021:

Wednesday night's quick burst of light snow may lead to a few slick spots early on, especially on those roadways that are left untreated. If you plan on traveling this morning, I would take a little extra caution. 

Otherwise, the Stateline will see a quiet end to 2021 as both Thursday and Friday feature mostly cloudy skies with highs in the mid to upper 30s. Now, while 2021 is expected to end on a tranquil note, the same can't be said for the beginning of 2022 as it's looking more than likely that the Stateline will see it's first major winter storm of the winter season.

New Year's Day Winter Storm:

Earlier this morning, the National Weather Service has placed only two of our counties, Whiteside and Carroll counties, under a Winter Storm Watch. As we inch closer to the actual event, I expect more of our counties to be placed under a winter storm watch of even a warning by Friday evening. As far as precipitation is concerned, things get underway late Friday night and even more so on Saturday as the potent storm system approaches.

At this point in the forecast, it's safe to say that the potential for accumulating snowfall is high. With that being said, it's still a bit early to be throwing out snowfall totals. Reason being, one - we are still more than 24 hours away from the event. And two, models still need to come into agreement on the overall track and intensity of the storm. 

All in all, the combination of accumulating snow and gusty northerly to northeasterly wind will make for hazardous traveling conditions. Be extra aware and already plan on allowing extra time if you need to travel late Saturday. Key word in that sentence being NEED. Snow showers look to continue into early Saturday night before tapering off.

Frigidly Cold Air Arrives:

Behind this weekend's storm system, the coldest air of the season arrives, allowing temperatures to plummet into the start of next week. 

Overnight lows both Saturday and Sunday are expected to fall into the single-digits, with winds chills landing well below-zero. These bitter wind chills will continue into the early stages of our Monday, which means you will want to dress in extra extra layers before stepping out. Especially for those who are returning to school Monday morning.

Light snow Wednesday evening

 

Light snow showers are expected to fall Wednesday evening but snow totals will remain relatively light.  Radar over the last couple of hours has shown snow moving across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, but not much - if any - of that snow is actually reaching the ground.

That's because high pressure came in very early this morning, knocking dew point temperatures down into the teens.  That dry air has been in place for much of the afternoon and continues into the evening.  This means that whatever snow may be falling from the clouds is evaporating before reaching the ground.  That evaporation process, however, will help to saturate the atmosphere and we will eventually see the snow reach the ground.

Snowfall totals will remain light and under an inch for most, but it is possible that a narrow band of heavier snow could develop which could push snow totals up near one inch in some spots.  The light snow will continue through Midnight, or a little after, with mostly cloudy skies for the rest of the night.  Overnight lows will remain right around 20 degrees, rising into the low to mid 30s for Thursday.  What snow does fall could cause some slick spots on the roads late this evening and early Thursday, especially with the colder temperatures. 

Locally dense fog Tuesday evening ahead of falling temperatures by Wednesday morning

Areas of fog have developed Tuesday evening thanks to both temperatures and dew point temperatures in the low to mid 30s.  An incoming low pressure system will help keep winds at the surface from the south, holding temperatures in the 30s through a little after Midnight.  This warmer air is leading to a little snow melt, which has caused some dense fog to develop.

Visibility in some locations already has fallen under a mile, and down to half a mile over northwest Illinois.  Once the drier air comes in overnight, visibility should improve.  However, temperatures falling below freezing and residual moisture/melting snow will lead to some black ice and slick conditions on the roads during the morning.  Be careful when out for the morning commute.  

Snowfall wrapping up Tuesday evening; Dense fog possible overnight

 

Our first real snowfall of the Winter season occurred Tuesday, adding up between 1-3 inches for most across the Stateline.  The heavier bursts of snow that occurred late morning and early afternoon were quick to taper off to more of a light and fine snow as temperatures warmed just above freezing by mid-afternoon.  This allowed for some drizzle and very light rain showers to mix in.

As the snow begins to wind down Tuesday evening it will be the drizzle that lasts through the remainder of the evening and early overnight.  Low pressure nearing the Stateline will cause winds to turn light and hold temperatures in the low 30s until a little after Midnight.

Locally dense fog will be possible as our atmosphere hangs on to quite a bit of moisture during that time.  The combination of temperatures above freezing and a high dew point air mass will help melt away a little of the snow from earlier in the day, and this could lead to dense fog during the overnight.

Once the low passes early Wednesday morning surface winds will shift around to the northwest bringing down a cooler and drier air mass.  Temperatures will fall as a result, down into the low 20s for the start of Wednesday.  Skies are expected to remain cloudy Wednesday afternoon with mid-day temperatures only rising to the upper 20s.

Winter Weather Advisory issued for Tuesday; Slick travel possible during the afternoon

 

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY has been issued for all of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin beginning at 9am Tuesday and lasting through the evening (a little later for those in southern Wisconsin).  While this isn't expected to be a big event, a couple inches of slushy snow may slow you down and cause some hazardous travel through the afternoon and evening commutes.

We wrapped up early Monday morning with some fairly active weather from Sunday night when thunderstorms, snow, sleet, hail and heavy rain all occurred!  Snowfall totals of under an inch occurred in southern Wisconsin, while the hail and sleet accumulated on driveways and sidewalks for many in northern Illinois.  Monday was greeted with plenty of fog, but both the clouds and fog did thin out towards the late afternoon and evening.  Whatever clearing has taken place, however, will soon be filled with plenty of cloud cover during the overnight and start of Tuesday.

Those traveling before sunrise, and even a little after, should have no issues weather-wise on the roads as the snow looks to move in from south to north mid to late morning.  While not an intense area of low pressure, it will have enough strength to produce a steady snow that'll take us through early to mid-afternoon when snowfall rates could come close to half an inch per hour during that time (between 11am-2pm).

Temperatures will remain either at or slightly below freezing during much of the day, warming to just a little above freezing late afternoon and evening.  As this occurs, a mixture of rain and snow, perhaps with some sleet or freezing rain, may occur south of Rockford.  Most of the precipitation should be wrapping up between 6pm and 8pm, with then mostly cloudy skies expected through Tuesday night.

Snowfall amounts will generally range between 1-3 inches area wide.  Accumulations will occur on grassy and elevated surfaces, as well as on some of the roads which may cause some slick and hazardous driving conditions during the afternoon and early evening.  And since this will be the first accumulating snowfall over one  inch (we did have a tenth of an inch of snow back on the 18th) it'll take a little time to get used to driving in the snow once again.

There are a couple more systems that'll bring us some opportunities for snowfall as we round out 2021 and welcome in 2022.  The next system arrives late Wednesday evening, with potentially a bigger storm system moving in during the first of the year.  Still a lot to be worked out with that one, so stayed tuned. 

Active weather pattern expected for the last week of December

 

December 2021 will be on for the record books with the unseasonably warm temperatures that have been felt during most of the month.  Saturday's high of 51 degrees was the 11th day this month that the high temperature in Rockford has reached at, or above, 50 degrees.  This sets a new record for the most 50 degree days in December; the previous record was 10 days set back in 1941 and 2015.  While the high Sunday didn't reach 50 degrees, it was another day with above average warmth.

The warmer temperatures have made it fairly hard to see much snow accumulate across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, but a little more of an active storm pattern may bring a slightly better chance for at least some light snow later in the week. 

The first of several storm systems that'll impact the region is currently moving through the Midwest and Great Lakes, bringing snow - some of which

will turn heavy across Minnesota and western Wisconsin - and elevated thunderstorms across central Iowa.  The dry atmosphere from earlier in the day Sunday will continue to saturate, eventually leading to a mix of light snow and sleet for a time Sunday evening.  As temperatures warm above freezing both at the surface and aloft, it'll be mostly rain that occurs through the night.  There could even be a few rumbles of thunder.  That system will pass to the east Monday morning leaving more drizzle and fog in its wake.  Some of the fog could become dense during the overnight.

The next low pressure system will move east from the Rockies late Monday night and into the Midwest early Tuesday morning.  Another surge of moisture pulled up ahead of the low will allow precipitation to occur Tuesday morning and early afternoon across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.  Temperatures initially Tuesday morning will be below freezing, leading to a period of snow just a little after sunrise.  How long the snow lasts will depend on how quickly temperatures warm above freezing by the afternoon.  Right now it looks like Tuesday could bring at least some minor snow accumulations through Noon before transitioning over to rain during the afternoon.  Following Tuesday's storm, a weaker one is forecast to move through Wednesday night with a few light snow showers possible. 

The last system in the parade of storm systems is a little further away, but is one that does warrant some watching.  This, too, will emerge from the Rockies late Friday night crossing through the Plains before moving somewhere in the Midwest Saturday.  Depending on the track of that low, we could see a better chance for some snow - or at least some type of wintry weather - to kick off the New Year.  Stay tuned for further updates on that storm system. 

Bitterly Cold Wednesday, Pattern Turns A little More Active Towards Christmas

Big Difference This Week:

It seems like forever ago, but today marks exactly one week since much of the central U.S, including the Stateline, witnessed all-time record warmth. To quickly recap, last Wednesday's high temperature at the Rockford International Airport was balmy 69°, which ended up tying our all-time record high for the month of December. This Wednesday features a completely different forecast as yesterday's gusty winds have set the stage for a bitterly cold day across the region. 

Bitterly Cold Wednesday:

Bundle up folks! Temperatures early Wednesday morning are sitting in the low to mid teens, with wind chills values in the single-digits. Along with bundling up, you might want to give yourself a few extra minutes to warm your vehicle up, especially if it was left outside overnight. 

Behind yesterday's cold front, guidance shows another high pressure system sliding in from the Upper Midwest. This will bring sun-filled skies to the Stateline for our Wednesday. Even with the abundance of sunshine however, temperatures remain cold with highs in the low 30s. Clouds increase overnight, turning skies mostly cloudy as we head into our Thursday morning. This will bring temperatures up a bit overnight, with lows in the mid 20s. 

Little More Active:

Following today's bitterly cold, our weather warms up into the second half of work week. Along with the rise in temperatures comes a slightly more active weather pattern which features a few weak disturbances. The first coming in early tomorrow which may lead to a slim chance for a widely scattered and light wintry mix. 

If you plan on traveling during the morning hours, be on the lookout for icy/slick spots. The rest of Thursday remains dry, quiet, and ice-free.  A second storm system quickly develops behind it, moving in during the day on Friday. Forecast models this morning trended weaker with this storm system, only bringing a chance for a few showers during the afternoon. Temperatures continue to rise as highs will end up on either side of the 50-degree mark.

Christmas Day-Cast:

While the rain chances trend downward for Christmas eve, that can't be said about Christmas Day itself. As of this morning, I left is a slight chance for either light rain or a rain/snow mix as a quick-moving storm system slides into the western Great lakes from the central plains.

The one component of the forecast that models were in disagreement with was the overall track of this storm system. One being more north than the other. With that being said, if we do end up with any precipitation chances, temperatures mild enough to prevent icy road conditions. Highs will take a small drop into the low 40s. 

Astronomical Winter Begins Today, Cold Wednesday Ahead

First Day of Winter:

I would like to welcome you all to the first day of astronomical winter. Especially if you are reading this blog post after 9:59AM since that's the time in which the winter solstice occurred. 

This not only marks the northern hemisphere's shortest day of the calendar year, but it also symbolizes that days moving forward will slowly get longer. Similar to Monday, the first day of winter begins on a sun-filled note as high pressure continues to keep a firm grasp on our atmosphere. Clouds will fill in a bit more as we get into the afternoon thanks to a disturbance sliding to our north.

Windy PM Commute:

Guidance keeps most if not all the precipitation with this storm system confined to area in central and northern Wisconsin. 

While the Stateline looks to avoid precipitation chances as a whole, winds will be increasing throughout the, becoming somewhat of a concern by the evening commute. Winds will generally be out of the southwest, gusting up to 30-35 mph at times. We do manage to see highs back in the upper 30s before a rush of cold air filters into the region overnight.

Cold Wednesday:

Temperatures are expected to fall back into the teens by Wednesday morning. Although winds simmer down some, they will be light enough for the region to experience multiple hours with wind chills values in the single-digits. 

This frigidly cold start to our Wednesday is a sign for things to come as temperatures will also end up cooler for the afternoon. Even with plenty of sunshine in the forecast, highs for most will end up seasonable in the low 30s. Wednesday features the coldest day of the next seven as the Stateline will see another big jump in temperatures as we approach the Christmas holiday.

Sun-Filled Monday, White Christmas Odds Look Slim

Snow Statistics:

Friday night's disturbance left behind 0.1" of snow at the airport, marking only the 3rd time this season in which we've seen measurable snow. This places us 5.5" below the average snowfall that we typically see from December 1st to the 19th. 

To all the snow-lovers in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, I wouldn't get too excited. This morning's round of model runs weren't too fond of our snow chances as we inch closer to the Christmas holiday. What I will say however is that a pair of sunglasses will come in handy as the next several days call for a good amount of sunshine. 

More Sunshine Ahead:

Even with a weak frontal boundary sliding through this afternoon, all remains quiet for the start of the work week. Sunshine dominates much of our Monday with highs for most if our local airports peaking in the upper 30s. 

Behind today's cold front, a cooler air-mass settles in from the Upper Great Plains, allowing for a quick temperature drop Monday night. Most spots will wake up in the upper teens come Tuesday morning, with wind chills registering in the low teens. It's safe to say that the first day of winter will have a winter-like feel to start.

First Day of Winter:

Officially, the Midwest makes the jump into the astronomical winter season at 9:59 in the morning. The shortest day of the year kicks off with more sunshine, with a few more clouds gathering up by the afternoon hours. 

This is all in response to another weak disturbance that aims to bring a round of light snow to areas up in central Wisconsin. Guidance kept the area dry, with highs topping out in the upper 30s. We inch closer to seasonable by Wednesday afternoon as highs peak in the low to mid 30s. It won't be until late in the week that a small dip in the jet stream will bring a better shot at seeing some precipitation. The question however that remains is will it be in the form of snow? 

White Christmas?:

Historically, the Stateline has a 40-50% chance of seeing a white Christmas. From what I saw with this morning's model runs, our odds are very slim for a white Christmas this year. The main reason is the placement of the jet stream.

Late in the weak, the jet stream shifts to our north, placing the Stateline on the warmer side of the incoming disturbance. This means that both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will come with small RAIN chance. With temperatures both days climbing into the mid-to-upper 40s, any precipitation will fall as rain with a VERY isolated snow shower mixed in.

Chilly Friday, Light Snow Chance Overnight

Very Warm December:

We're closing in on the first day of astronomical winter and in no way, shape, or form have we felt like winter throughout December. 

Including the historic warmth from the past few days, our average high since December 1st sits at exactly 48°. For those who are keeping track, that's 11.3° above our average high to date. Thursday was our "day of transition" as strong winds out of the west helped filter in a much cooler air-mass into the region. Temperatures quickly fell throughout the day and continued to fall overnight, landing most in the upper teens by early Friday.

Chilly Friday

Despite the return of winter's chill, Friday features a much-needed break from the intense winds that were felt both Wednesday and Thursday. Sunshine early on will give way to an increase in cloud cover, especially late in the day. 

This is all in response to a weak storm system that slides to our south. But it looks like guidance brings in just enough moisture for a few flurries/snow showers to pop up overnight Friday into the early stages of Saturday. A dusting at most can be expected. Even though that may not sound like much, temperatures will be chilly enough to cause a couple slick spots. Just in case, please take extra caution if planning to travel early Saturday.

Weekend Outlook:

The good news is, the light snow chance that arrives overnight tonight will be the only chance for precipitation in the next seven days. Beginning this weekend, a dry weather pattern commences with temperatures landing closer to normal. 

Cloud cover sticks around for much of your Saturday, with sunshine making more of an appearance for Sunday. High pressure to our east will keep conditions dry into early next week, with temperatures climbing into the low 40s Monday. Guidance does show a moisture-starved cold front sliding Monday night. While we won't see any precipitation from it, it will help cool temperatures down a bit heading into the middle of next week. 

Feeling More December-Like Following Historically Warm Stretch

Historic Warmth: 

Preceding Wednesday's powerful storm system, an increasing wind out of the south pulled record-breaking warmth into the region. Officially, Rockford peaked at 69° yesterday, which lands 35-degrees the average high for December 15th. 

Not only does this shatter the previous daily record high of 58° (1971), but it also tied the all-time record high for the month which was set back on December 3rd in 2012. If that wasn't enough, Rockford also broke it's daily record high for December 16th the moment the clock struck midnight. At that moment in time, the Rockford International Airport was sitting at a whopping 68°, shattering the previous record set back in 1984. With all of that being said, it's safe to say that record highs moving forward will stand thanks to a strong cold front that came through overnight.

Remaining Windy:

The early stages of our Thursday featured quite a temperature drop as the Rockford Airport went from the upper 60s to the mid 30s. Despite sunshine being present throughout much of the day, a lingering southwest to westerly wind will keep temps near the 40-degree mark this afternoon. 

At times, winds could gust up to 30-40 mph before subsiding a little bit further throughout the evening hours. Temperatures will fall into the low 20s overnight, climbing back near the 40-degree mark by the afternoon. Although Friday kicks off on a sun-filled note, clouds will be rather quick to gather again by sunset.

Light Snow Friday Night:

Guidance shows our next low pressure system tracking over central/southern Illinois during the late-day hours of our Friday. Along with the increase in cloud cover does come a chance for a few flurries and snow showers, especially along and south of highway 20. 

The most our region could see out of this system is a dusting. So, this shouldn't foil any of your Friday evening plans. Once this system tracks to our east, our weather pattern turns quiet for the upcoming weekend and for much of next week. Highs over the weekend remain seasonable, climbing a bit higher Monday through Wednesday.

Strong showers and thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts likely Wednesday evening

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH has been issued for Winnebago, Ogle, Boone and Lee counties in northern Illinois until 1am, as well as for Rock and Walworth counties in southern Wisconsin. The TORNADO WATCH remains in effect for Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll and Whiteside counties until 11pm, as well as for Green County in SW Wisconsin. 

A line of severe thunderstorms currently moving near the Mississippi River may continue to produce wind gusts of 70 mph, or higher, as they move into the Stateline. Currently, there is a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING in effect for Stephenson, Jo Daviess, Carroll and Whiteside counties until 10:45pm. This line of storms is moving to the east at 55 mph. Those in the path should seek shelter immediately. 

High Wind Warning Wednesday Night into Thursday, Few Strong Thunderstorms Possible

High Wind Warning: 

A powerful and quick-moving storm system has prompted the issuance of a high wind warning not only for us here in the Stateline, but for many across the central United States. 

As of early Wednesday morning, high wind warnings stretch a grand total of 1500+ miles, from extreme western Arizona to the the upper peninsula of Michigan. Although the Stateline will see historic warmth this afternoon, it will quickly be overshadowed by the strong winds that usher in by the evening commute gets underway. 

What to Expect?

Locally, our high wind warning will be in place from 6PM Wednesday evening to 9AM Thursday morning. It's during this time that winds will be capable of gusting up to 50-60 mph, with isolated gusts over 60 mph. Winds this strong are equivalent to the wind strength that's needed for a thunderstorm to be considered severe. How can you prepare ahead of time? You'll more than likely want to bring in any outdoor furniture or any inflatable/lightweight holiday decorations before the strongest winds arrive

Sporadic, even widespread power outages, will also be a big possibility. So it'll be a great idea to have some sort of backup plan or emergency kit ready in the event that you lose power this evening or overnight tonight. Shower chances will be widely scattered throughout our Wednesday, with chances increasing into the early hours of tonight. Guidance shows a thin line of showers and embedded thunderstorms pushing on through the region between 8PM and 1AM.

Severe Threat:

While the potential for severe weather is significantly higher to the north and west of the Stateline, a few warnings may still be necessary with any storms, simply given the amount of wind that will be present as they pass through. Once the associated cold front is to our east, sunshine makes a big returns for Thursday. Along with the sunshine however does come a lingering breeze as we could still see gusts up to 35 mph.