Even though spring has officially sprung, another winter storm is set to affect the Land of Lincoln this weekend. Here in the northern part of the state, snowfall will be limited to the 1-3 inch range. However, cities like Peoria, Bloomington, Champaign, and Decatur could receive 3-6 inches of snow with locally higher amounts. Most models here give us about 2 inches.

Interstates will be impacted greatly on Sunday, especially south of the Forest City. If you have travel plans south of Rockford, the roads will be very treacherous.I-39 toward Bloomington will become snowcovered on Sunday. -Eric

Posted under snow, winter storm

Before reading this, please agree to the following:

1. Don’t panic.
2. Understand that the timeframe we’re talking about is still more than 100 hours into the future.
3. Understand that the purpose of this blog post is to talk about the possibility of a winter storm, not the probability of one.
4. Models will not be accurate this far in advance. Rather, they will give us clues as to possibilities.
4. Eric Sorensen does not make the weather happen.
5. Eric Sorensen cannot be blamed for this weather.
6. Eric Sorensen does not have the only job where he can get paid to be wrong every day.
7. Don’t go starting rumors that we are going to receive a foot of snow this weekend.

I’m going to dive right in here. The GFS model is either completely out to lunch or it brings us the biggest winter storm of the season. The dark blue represents 8-10 inches of snow. Now, can we say with confidence we will receive 8 inches of snow this weekend? Absolutely not.

It’s important to study the whole picture on the top of the puzzle box before beginning to assemble the puzzle. The GFS model has a developing area of low pressure ejecting out of Oklahoma on Friday. The stormtrack takes the low pressure system through Illinois to lower Michigan. A swath of heavy snow is possible from South Central Iowa into Wisconsin and Michigan Sunday into Monday.

But this is just one model’s solution. The ECMWF model has a much different scenario for the weekend. We can say with good confidence that there will be a storm system in the central part of the U.S. But whether this brings a heavy snow to Minneapolis or Memphis remains to be seen! Here’s a look at the ECMWF’s stormtrack. Areas shaded are most prone to snowfall accumulation with this track. Notice how far it is to our south. Instead of a snowstorm for the Upper Midwest, it would fall into the Southern Plains and Ohio River Valley, leaving us with nothing more than a few extra clouds.

Will we need to watch these forecasts carefully? Yes. Will we be posting more on the model solutions and forecasts here on the blog more frequently over the next few days? Absolutely. Can we expect more wintry weather even though winter officially ends Wednesday? Unfortunately. -Eric

Posted under winter storm, winter weather

It looks like northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin will dodge a major bullet.  The system that is expected to bring generous rains to the Stateline through Sunday night will also bring heavy snowfall.  The heavy snow, in some cases over 8 inches, will affect parts of eastern Iowa and western and central Wisconsin Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.  We should see a changeover from rain showers to snow showers by Sunday night.  Locally, parts of western Jo Daviess County and northwestern Green County may pick an inch or so of snow, but the rest of the area will see little to none.  In metro Rockford, a trace up to half an inch is possible through Monday evening.  Good news, if you hate shoveling! It must be a little bit of that Irish luck, a week early!  -Joe

Posted under FutureTrack, snow, weather, winter storm, winter weather

6:30pm – Our live stream has ended for the day. If you watched, we’d love to hear your feedback! Please e-mail weather@wrex.com and let us know what you thought. -Eric

We are streaming our winter weather operations here on the blog! Feel free to ask us any questions by leaving a comment here, on Twitter (@ericsorensen or @wxjoea), or Facebook. 

You may see and hear our comments on the forecast between now and 6:30pm CST. -Eric

Posted under winter storm

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

For the first time since the “Groundhog’s Day Blizzard of 2011,” we are forecasting a high-impact winter storm. While this will NOT be comparable to that storm when 18 inches fell across the area, this storm will cause travel to be very hazardous.

Tuesday morning’s commute will be tolerable with 1-2 inches of snow falling through 8am Tuesday. During the late-morning hours, snow will ramp up significantly. Heavy snow is likely through the afternoon and evening before tapering off significantly around 10pm. We are advising all necessary travel to be completed by noon Tuesday as wind gusts could exceed 30mph out of the east for the afternoon.

As far as finall snowfall amounts go, a strong easterly wind will cut down on snowfall amounts for Southeastern Wisconsin. Our Futuretrack model gives Milwaukee just a dusting. As I mentioned on 13News@5, the heaviest snowfall totals will occur from Freeport to Rochelle with 6-12 inches likely across the 13 county coverage area. Winter Storm Warnings are in place for every county. I’ve posted our Futuretrack model snowfall forecast as well as the forecast from our global models. Note: The Canadian Weather Centre’s GEM model has onverdone winter storms this winter. However, even of these models as a whole overdo the amount of snow, we’ll still end up within a Winter Storm Warning criteria. In addition, with a developing low pressure system, the dynamics can and often times do support convective precipitation. Should we get into a few hours of that, thundersnow can produce 2 inches per hour. That would most likely occur during the afternoon hours, as the low pressure system is at its closest. -Eric

Posted under winter storm

All eyes are the system that will move through overnight into tomorrow evening. As the storm edges closer to us it is apparent that both commutes will be very interesting with blowing and drifting snow on top of additional accumulation. Snowfall totals look to be between 4-8″ with the smaller totals falling in Southeast Wisconsin. A few spots, especially Rockford on south and west could see totals top out above 8″. Be careful on the roadways, and when the snow starts coming down let us know your totals! -Greg

Posted under snow, winter storm, winter weather

A winter storm warning is in effect for the entire Stateline tonight through midnight Tuesday. This warning has been issued ahead of a snow system that will produce wind gusts of up to 30mph with blowing and drifting snow starting tonight around midnight. Snowfall totals by Wednesday morning will reach between 4-8″ with isolated areas potentially seeing more. We will continue to monitor this system as it makes its way into the Stateline. -Greg

Posted under snow, winter storm, winter weather

Moisture is making it’s way towards us this evening and you can expect to see some light snow Monday morning off to the far west. On Monday evening, we’ll be on the edge of the moisture from this low pressure system, and at that time you’ll start to see heavier snow occur. This dense, wet snow will continue throughout overnight and into Tuesday.
Our viewing area will get deeper into the moisture on Tuesday morning through the evening. This is the time frame you can expect the highest snow accumulations and possibly a little thundersnow to occur. We’ll put a “red traffic light” for hazardous driving conditions on Tuesday due to 4-8 inch accumulations (with isolated higher totals) and wind gusts up to 30mph. These relatively high snow totals and wind gusts will contribute to blowing snow, leading to low visibility.
We’ll finally be on the back end of this system on Tuesday night, and most of the snow should taper off as the system moves toward the East Coast.

 

Posted under snow, weather, winter storm, winter weather