The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Lake and Surrounding Counties beginning Thursday night. Forecast models continue to move together regarding winter weather expected for Lake County Thursday night into Friday. With significant moisture available, and below normal temperatures, precipitation from this weather system is expected to be all (or nearly all) snow. Precipitation will likely begin around midnight Thursday into Friday, and continue into the early morning hours of Saturday. Because of the moisture and temperature profile expected with this storm, snow-to-water ratios are projected to be fairly low, which means the snow will probably be wet and heavy. There is still a significant spread in snowfall amounts between the various models, ranging from 3-5” to more than 10”. As the system moves closer in time and space, accuracy of the forecast should improve.
The forecast models also now have shifted the system that was possible for Sunday out of our area, and it appears temperatures should moderate some early next week. Moderating temperatures after the probable heavy snow from Friday may lead to flood concerns along streams and rivers, particularly with the Des Plaines and Fox Rivers both already at or above flood stage. As a reminder, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has closed the Des Plaines River throughout Lake County to boaters because of extremely hazardous conditions. Information will be provided once IDNR lifts the boating restriction.
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