Scattered showers with embedded thunder are likely tonight along a cool front that will move east out of Iowa. Rainfall amounts will generally be light….under a tenth of an inch. However, as of 7pm Saturday, thundershowers with heavier rainfall rates have developed in eastern Iowa. Some locations in the path of these thundershowers may pick up a couple of tenths of an inch of rain.

By midnight, the chance for rain will decrease rapidly. The sky will begin to clear out by dawn.  A weak area of high pressure will keep things calm on Sunday with a mix of sun and clouds and light wind. High temperatures will be in the middle 50s north of Rockford and in the upper 50s to the south. I expect highs to top out around 57 in the Forest City.  The Sauk Valley area of Dixon, Sterling & Rock Falls will flirt with 60 degrees.  If your travels take you east to Chicago & Milwaukee, temperatures will rise to near 50 degrees early and then fall into the 40s during the afternoon thanks to a cool breeze off of Lake Michigan.

-Joe

Posted under FutureTrack, rain, travel, weather

Get out those shovels, or maybe not.  Another round of snow will impact the Stateline on Sunday. However, our area will be on the northern fringe of this system.  What does that mean? For starters, our snowfall totals will be light!  Thanks to the track of this system—through the southern Plains and Ohio Valley—the significant snow accumulations will occur in Missouri, central Illinois, and central Indiana.  In fact, moderate to heavy snow will fall in a 1,500-mile swath from Denver all the way to Pittsburgh through Monday night!

In Rockford, we’ll have a dry, northeast wind which will help keep the atmosphere from saturating quickly on Sunday morning.  Also, thunderstorms are forecast for the Mid-South into the Southeast, drawing a lot of the energy and moisture far away from our area.

 

Snowflakes will begin to fly as early as the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, especially southwest of Rockford in the Sauk Valley.  Mid-to-late morning through early evening is our time frame for accumulating snow.  Generally, we will pick up 1 to 2 inches across the area.  Totals will be on the lighter side near and north of the Illinois-Wisconsin border (including metro Rockford).  Janesville and Monroe will be hard-pressed to even see 1 inch!  The further south you travel, including the Interstate 88 corridor, the better chance you have for picking up closer to 2 inches.  South of Interstate 88, there will be a few isolated pockets of 2+ inches.  If your travels take you even further south into Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, Springfield, St. Louis, or Indianapolis, accumulations of 6 to 12 inches can be expected.

While snowfall totals will be on the light side, a gusty northeast wind will create some blowing and drifting on rural roads and in open areas.  Gusts of 30 to 35mph are likely.  Lingering light snow showers or flurries are possible Sunday night through Monday.  Additional accumulation will be very light, if any.

-Joe

Posted under FutureTrack, snow, travel, weather, Wind, winter weather

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Winnebago, Boone, Lee, Ogle, DeKalb Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Carroll and Whiteside Counties. A snow/freezing/sleet event moves into the Stateline this morning which could bring 1-2″ of snowfall accumulation as well as minor ice accumulations. Roadways this morning and early afternoon could have icy and slick spots so take caution when heading out today. Most of the snow accumulation add up this morning and early afternoon. -Greg

Posted under ice, snow, travel, winter weather

With melting snow, falling rain, light wind, and dewpoint temperatures close to the air temperature, the atmosphere is saturated. As a result, dense fog has formed across the region and will continue for much of the afternoon and evening.  A DENSE FOG ADVISORY remains in effect for all of the 13 WREX viewing area though Sunday night. Visibilities will be at or near zero at times, so make sure you have your lights on and take caution while driving.

-Joe

Posted under fog, safety, travel, weather

The snow continues to come down across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.  Here are some of the latest snowfall reports. As of 9pm, RFD Airport has picked up 9.5 inches of snow so far. -Joe

(9:26 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: Beloit [Rock Co, WI] public reports HEAVY SNOW of M9.0 INCH at 07:25 PM CST — storm total

(9:21 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Loves Park [Winnebago Co, IL] broadcast media reports SNOW of M11.0 INCH at 09:19 PM CST –

(9:21 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: Monticello [Green Co, WI] public reports HEAVY SNOW of M6.0 INCH at 08:45 PM CST — storm total

(9:13 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: 5 NW Polo [Ogle Co, IL]
co-op observer reports SNOW of M7.2 INCH at 09:00 PM CST — storm total. liquid equivalent 0.77 inches.

(9:10 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Rockford Airport [Winnebago Co, IL] official nws obs reports SNOW of M9.5 INCH at 09:00 PM CST — storm total so far.

(9:01 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: 4 N Lake Geneva [Walworth Co, WI] trained spotter reports HEAVY SNOW of M6.2 INCH at 08:55 PM CST — storm total

(8:53 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Spring Grove [Mchenry Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M8.0 INCH at 08:46 PM CST — storm total so far.

(8:47 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: Mount Carroll [Carroll Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M7.2 INCH at 08:45 PM CST — storm total including light snow this evening.

(8:43 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: 2 N Rockford Airport [Winnebago Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M11.0 INCH at 08:40 PM CST –

(8:36 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: 1 S Janesville [Rock Co, WI] trained spotter reports HEAVY SNOW of M8.7 INCH at 08:30 PM CST — storm total

(8:35 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 7 NNW Mount Carroll [Carroll Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M6.4 INCH at 08:35 PM CST — storm total.

(8:31 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: DE Kalb [De Kalb Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M9.5 INCH at 08:00 PM CST — storm total thus far.

(8:20 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 4 NNW Lanark [Carroll Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M6.6 INCH at 08:19 PM CST — storm total from lake carroll.

(8:16 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 3 NW Stockton [Jo Daviess Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M6.0 INCH at 08:15 PM CST — storm total.

(8:14 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: Edgerton [Rock Co, WI] trained spotter reports HEAVY SNOW of M8.0 INCH at 08:09 PM CST — storm total

(8:13 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 3 N Stockton [Jo Daviess Co, IL] co-op observer reports SNOW of M7.8 INCH at 08:08 PM CST — storm total…9 inches snow depth.

(8:13 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 2 NE Fulton [Whiteside Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M6.3 INCH at 08:12 PM CST — storm total.

(8:07 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: Thomson [Carroll Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M5.7 INCH at 08:06 PM CST — storm total.

(7:45 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: DE Kalb [Dekalb Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M8.5 INCH at 07:00 PM CST — storm total so far.

(7:45 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Rochelle [Ogle Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M7.5 INCH at 07:00 PM CST — storm total so far.

(7:26 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Cortland [De Kalb Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M10.1 INCH at 07:19 PM CST — storm total thus far. moderate snow still falling and snow is beginning to blow and drift.

(7:22 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 5 NW Lanark [Carroll Co,IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M6.3 INCH at 07:21 PM CST — storm total.

(7:17 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: 4 NW Crystal Lake [Mchenry Co, IL] co-op observer reports SNOW of M5.8 INCH at 07:14 PM CST — storm total thus far.

(7:17 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: Lake Geneva [Walworth Co, WI] broadcast media reports HEAVY SNOW of M6.5 INCH at 06:50 PM CST — storm total

(7:05 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: 4 N Lake Geneva [Walworth Co, WI] trained spotter reports SNOW of M5.2 INCH at 07:00 PM CST — storm total

(6:58 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: 1 W Williams BAY [Walworth Co, WI] trained spotter reports SNOW of M5.3 INCH at 06:00 PM CST — storm total

(6:55 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Sycamore [Dekalb Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M8.5 INCH at 06:48 PM CST — storm total so far.

(6:35 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 2 WNW Freeport [Stephenson Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M6.7 INCH at 06:29 PM CST — still lightly snowing.

(6:15 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Woodstock [Mchenry Co, IL] co-op observer reports SNOW of M6.5 INCH at 06:10 PM CST — storm total 6.5 inches. snow depth 11 inches.

(5:58 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Rockford Airport [Winnebago Co, IL] official nws obs reports SNOW of M9.1 INCH at 05:57 PM CST — storm total 9.1 inches.

(5:48 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: Galena Territory [Jo Daviess Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M7.7 INCH at 05:47 PM CST — storm total so far.

(5:37 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: 1 S Janesville Airport [Rock Co, WI] trained spotter reports HEAVY SNOW of M6.9 INCH at 05:36 PM CST — 1s downtown janesville.

(5:28 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: Erie [Whiteside Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M4.5 INCH at 05:15 PM CST — lightly snowing.

(5:22:44 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: Freeport [Stephenson Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M6.5 INCH at 05:22 PM CST —

(5:22:18 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: N Capron [Boone Co, IL] cocorahs reports SNOW of M6.0 INCH at 05:00 PM CST — storm total so far. water equivalent 0.67. still snowing.

(5:20:11 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: 1 N Huntley [Mchenry Co, IL] cocorahs reports SNOW of M7.5 INCH at 05:10 PM CST — storm total so far. light snow falling.

(5:17:07 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Rockford [Winnebago Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M8.3 INCH at 04:00 PM CST — storm total so far on the east side of rockford.

(5:09:12 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Woodstock [Mchenry Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M7.0 INCH at 04:45 PM CST — storm total so far.
(5:09:12 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Rochelle [Ogle Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M6.5 INCH at 04:30 PM CST — storm total so far.

(5:06:23 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Capron [Boone Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M6.0 INCH at 05:01 PM CST –

(4:55:20 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: DE Kalb [Dekalb Co, IL] trained spotter reports HEAVY SNOW of M7.8 INCH at 04:15 PM CST — storm total so far.

(4:54 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: Edgerton [Rock Co, WI] trained spotter reports HEAVY SNOW of M6.4 INCH at 04:51 PM CST — storm total

(4:29:34 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Loves Park [Winnebago Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M8.0 INCH at 03:23 PM CST — storm total so far.

(4:27:31 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: NW Rockford [Winnebago Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M6.3 INCH at 01:30 PM CST — as of 130 pm cst…6.3 inches on the northwest side of rockford.
(4:27:45 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Forreston [Ogle Co, IL] co-op observer reports SNOW of M5.8 INCH at 04:00 PM CST — storm total so far since 8 am. winds are picking up causing drifting and blowing snow creating hazardous driving conditions.
(4:28:13 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Sandwich [Dekalb Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M5.0 INCH at 04:00 PM CST — storm total so far.

(3:41 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Kirkland [De Kalb Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M7.5 INCH at 03:35 PM CST — storm total snow thus far.

(3:37 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: 2 N Winnebago [Winnebago Co, IL] broadcast media reports SNOW of M7.5 INCH at 03:33 PM CST –

(3:27 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 3 ENE Rock Falls [Whiteside Co, IL] trained spotter reports HEAVY SNOW of M6.0 INCH at 03:26 PM CST –

(3:26 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 3 N Freeport [Stephenson Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M7.5 INCH at 03:22 PM CST — storm total.

(3:26 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 7 NNW Mount Carroll [Carroll Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M5.0 INCH at 03:24 PM CST — still snowing with winds approx 10 to 15 mph. e-spotter report.

(3:23 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Forreston [Ogle Co, IL] public reports HEAVY SNOW of E7.0 INCH at 03:20 PM CST — storm total so far.

(3:18 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 2 NNW Thomson [Carroll Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M4.6 INCH at 03:18 PM CST –

(3:18 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: 4 NE Algonquin [Mchenry Co, IL] cocorahs reports SNOW of M4.8 INCH at 03:00 PM CST — storm total so far.

(3:18 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 2 NNW Thomson [Carroll Co, IL] trained spotterreports SNOW of M4.6 INCH at 03:18 PM CST –

(3:06 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 4 NNW Lanark [Carroll Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M5.8 INCH at 03:05 PM CST –

(3:02 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: DE Kalb [De Kalb Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M6.5 INCH at 02:50 PM CST — storm total through 250 pm. 1.5 inches past 3 hours. moderate snow and quarter mile visiblity.

(2:53 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 5 NW Lanark [Carroll Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M5.5 INCH at 02:52 PM CST –

(2:38 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: E Harvard [Mchenry Co, IL] cocorahs reports SNOW of M6.8 INCH at 02:30 PM CST — storm total so far.

(2:36 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Roscoe [Winnebago Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M6.1 INCH at 02:18 PM CST — total so far.

(2:31 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: 1 W Williams BAY [Walworth Co, WI] trained spotter reports SNOW of M3.5 INCH at 02:23 PM CST –

(2:27 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Loves Park [Winnebago Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M7.0 INCH at 02:05 PM CST — light to moderate snow continues. relayed from wrex-tv.

(2:25 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: Freeport [Stephenson Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M5.5 INCH at 02:25 PM CST — snowfall total at lincoln douglas elementary…relayed by media.

(2:24 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Rockford [Winnebago Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M7.3 INCH at 02:23 PM CST — storm total snow thus far. moderate snow still falling.

(2:02 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 1 WNW Morrison [Whiteside Co, IL] trained spotter reports HEAVY SNOW of M6.5 INCH at 02:01 PM CST — continuing to snow

(1:39 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: 1 N Huntley [Mchenry Co, IL] cocorahs reports SNOW of M5.0 INCH at 01:30 PM CST — total so far.

(1:35 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Roscoe [Winnebago Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M5.5 INCH at 01:35 PM CST — total so far.

(1:26 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: Milton [Rock Co, WI] nws employee reports SNOW of M4.1 INCH at 12:45 PM CST — snowfall total

(1:07 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: Edgerton [Rock Co, WI] trained spotter reports SNOW of M5.2 INCH at 12:42 PM CST — storm total

(1:04 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 3 NNE Stockton [Jo Daviess Co, IL] co-op observer reports SNOW of M5.2 INCH at 01:03 PM CST — snow continues to fall…visibility at 3/8 of a mile.

(12:45 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: Galena [Jo Daviess Co, IL] co-op observer reports SNOW of M5.0 INCH at 12:45 PM CST — 3.0 inches since 7am. still snowing.

(12:43 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: 3 SSE Whitewater [Walworth Co, WI] nws employee reports SNOW of M5.2 INCH at 12:42 PM CST — snowfall total

(12:37 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Mchenry [Mchenry Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M4.5 INCH at 12:33 PM CST –

(12:36 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Mendota [La Salle Co, IL] nws employee reports SNOW of M4.2 INCH at 12:36 PM CST –

(12:20 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: 4 NE Algonquin [Mchenry Co, IL] cocorahs reports SNOW of M2.7 INCH at 12:00 PM CST –

(12:19 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Winnebago [Winnebago Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M4.8 INCH at 12:07 PM CST –

(12:18 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: DE Kalb [Dekalb Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M5.0 INCH at 12:15 PM CST — storm total so far

(12:12 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 5 W Schapville [Jo Daviess Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M5.0 INCH at 12:00 PM CST — over the past 4 hours. wind very light.

(12:06 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Roscoe [Winnebago Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M5.0 INCH at 11:40 AM CST –

(12:04 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: 2 S Whitewater [Walworth Co, WI] public reports SNOW of M5.5 INCH at 11:55 AM CST –

(12:02 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: 1 N Huntley [Mchenry Co, IL] cocorahs reports SNOW of M3.5 INCH at 11:45 AM CST –

(12:00 PM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Rockford [Winnebago Co, IL] official nws obs reports SNOW of M5.8 INCH at 11:59 AM CST –

(11:59 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: 4 NW Rockford [Winnebago Co, IL] co-op observer reports SNOW of M5.0 INCH at 11:52 AM CST –

(11:50 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 2 ESE Ridott [Stephenson Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M5.0 INCH at 11:49 AM CST — total so far today. still snowing.

(11:39 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: Sterling [Whiteside Co, IL] public reports SNOW of M5.5 INCH at 11:38 AM CST –

(11:24 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: N Capron [Boone Co, IL] cocorahs reports SNOW of M3.5 INCH at 11:15 AM CST –

(11:21 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: DE Kalb [Dekalb Co, IL] co-op observer reports SNOW of M4.2 INCH at 11:15 AM CST –

(11:21 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: N DE Kalb [De Kalb Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M3.8 INCH at 10:50 AM CST –

(11:21 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Kirkland [Dekalb Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of E4.3 INCH at 10:30 AM CST –

(11:14 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: Capron [Boone Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M3.5 INCH at 11:13 AM CST –

(11:12 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: 2 NNW Thomson [Carroll Co, IL] trained spotter reports SNOW of M4.0 INCH at 11:12 AM CST –

(11:10 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS LOT: 4 NE Algonquin [Mchenry Co, IL] cocorahs reports SNOW of M2.2 INCH at 11:00 AM CST –

(10:49 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: Monticello [Green Co, WI] trained spotter reports SNOW of M4.0 INCH at 10:35 AM CST –

(10:45 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS DVN: Stockton [Jo Daviess Co, IL] co-op observer reports SNOW of M4.0 INCH at 10:43 AM CST — total so far today. an inch an hour. still heavy snow.

(10:22 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: 4 N Lake Geneva [Walworth Co, WI] trained spotter reports SNOW of M2.0 INCH at 10:05 AM CST — moderate snow falling.

(9:53 AM) nwsbot: Local Storm Report by NWS MKX: 2 N Beloit [Rock Co, WI] public reports SNOW of E3.0 INCH at 09:40 AM CST –

Posted under Exactrack|HD, snow, travel, weather, winter storm, winter weather

Here is a look at the major highways and how they are currently being hampered by this morning’s snowfall. There will be an hourly update of this map to keep you up to date on what you can expect if you have to head out this morning. Many areas west and southwest of Rockford are dealing with  snow covered main roads with virtually all of us seeing partially or fully covered side streets. This afternoon will be a high impact situation where travel should be limited or held off until tomorrow morning due to blowing and drifting snow that will limit visibility. -Greg

Posted under travel, winter storm, winter weather

Hampered travel conditions this afternoon and evening are the biggest concern with this incoming system. Snowfall totals won’t be all that impressive.. 1-3″ inches by tomorrow morning in most spots with an additions 1-2″ by Thursday morning. This puts the forecast at the 3-6″ mark by Thursday morning. However, the snow will come down fairly heavy for a brief period late in the afternoon today which will make the evening commute very sloppy. That combined with wind gusts upward of 40mph will give us blowing and drifting snow with visibility near zero at times. Not a major winter storm, but a major travel headache this afternoon into tonight. -Greg

Posted under snow, travel, weather, winter storm, winter weather

The latest winter event to affect northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin is still on target for Thursday night into Friday.  Our computer forecast models and real-time satellite and radar data continue to show consistency, which is excellent news.  Based on this data, knowledge of similar systems from years past, and our best forecasting skills, we are still on par for 3 to 6 inches of snow.

The highest snowfall totals will be west of Rockford.  However, some areas east of Interstate 39—specifically the suburbs of Chicago as well as parts of McHenry County—may have snowfall totals on the higher end of the spectrum. The reason?  Lake effect and lake enhanced snowfall is a likelihood thanks to an easterly wind.  The latest run of our RPM model depicts this nicely.  This model indicates the potential for isolated areas of 8 to 12 inches in the Fox Valley area and points east.  Lake effect or enhanced snow can be finicky to forecast, since the narrow, heavy bands of snow tend to affect very small areas.  Locations only a few miles apart can have a spread of several inches, in regards to snow accumulation.

Lake effect and lake enhanced snow is just another facet of this system that we will monitor.  If your travels take you into the Chicago suburbs overnight or Friday morning, you may want to monitor this situation.

-Joe

Posted under snow, travel, weather, winter weather

  Another round of overnight snow is tracking toward the Stateline. The timing of this next snow event could cause some issues on the roadways in the morning. Road crews will be out in full force all night to help keep the streets clean, but with snowfall rates of up to 1-2″ per hour expected during parts of the night, it will be difficult to keep all roads clear. As we head into the morning, it will still be snowing and the wind will be in full force. This means that visibilities will be low, blowing and drifing snow is possible, and many roads will be snow covered. Exercise caution as you head out in the morning to help ensure that your Friday won’t start off with a bang.. literally! Stay Safe! -Greg

Posted under event, snow, travel, winter weather

Last night all of Southern Wisconsin was under either a winter weather advisory or a winter storm warning. This morning, a freezing rain advisory has been issued until 10am for Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Lee and DeKalb counties. In the next few hours ice accumulations of 0.1″ are possible in these areas. This could making driving hazardous with the threat of black ice. Many roads that appear to be wet may actually be frozen over into ice. Neighborhood roads and sidewalks will likely be frozen as well. -Greg

Posted under ice, rain, travel, winter weather