Winter Storm Alert: Chicago Faces Impending Ice and Snow from Southern U.S.
Chicago residents woke up to bone-chilling temperatures this Wednesday morning, as the NBC 5 Storm Team reported. The Arctic air gripping the Midwest and Eastern U.S. is expected to maintain its icy hold in the region as the week progresses. Adding to the cold front is a winter storm brewing in the Southern U.S., poised to make its way into Illinois in the coming days.
Chilling Forecast
NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman painted a bleak picture of the weather, mentioning that the temperatures felt as low as two degrees in some areas early Wednesday. Despite the frigid start, the day was forecasted to be mostly sunny and dry, with a chance of flurries near Lake Michigan. However, the real concern lies in the late Thursday into Friday time frame, when the winter storm is expected to hit Illinois, bringing with it winter storm warnings and watches from the South.
Impending Snowfall
According to the National Weather Service, the southern Plains will experience wintry precipitation starting Wednesday night, with snow anticipated in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Southern regions might see a transition from snow to sleet and freezing rain, posing risks of dangerous driving conditions. Central and Southern Illinois are predicted to bear the brunt of the storm, with even parts of Chicago expecting snow overnight Thursday into Friday.
Heavy Snowfall Predictions
Despite the storm’s trajectory, Roman suggested that heavier snowfall would likely avoid Chicago once again, similar to a previous system earlier in the week. However, the city might still see one to three inches of snow accumulation by Friday night, causing potential slippery conditions for the Friday morning commute. Additionally, another snow chance looms over the weekend, with a clipper system expected to bring flurries near the Wisconsin-Illinois border on Sunday.
Stay Prepared
Given the unpredictable nature of winter storms, residents are advised to stay informed with forecast updates from reliable sources like the National Weather Service. As the cold spell persists over the weekend, multiple rounds of snow are anticipated, heightening the need for caution on the roads and adequate winter preparation.
As we brace ourselves for the impending winter onslaught, let’s remember to stay safe, help those in need, and find warmth in the company of loved ones. Winter may be harsh, but our collective resilience shines brighter in the face of adversity. Stay warm, stay safe, and stay united, Chicago.
