2013-02-26 Winter Storm Update
A WINTER STORM WATCH has been replaced with a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY for this afternoon and evening…
Taken from the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office for Chicago, IL
“A potent late-winter storm system will move through the Midwest today and tonight, spreading a mixed bag of rain, sleet and wet snow north across the area this morning. Precipitation is expected to change over to all wet snow by early this afternoon roughly north and west of a Pontiac to Gary line, while remaining as a rain, wet snow and possibly sleet mix farther to the south. Temperatures will be around or above freezing were snow falls this afternoon, which would normally limit the effectiveness of accumulation. However, lift for producing precipitation will initially be quite strong, which may result in 1-2″ per hour snowfall rates which would likely counter the initially warm surface temperatures. For this reason, forecasting the amount of snow accumulation is particularly tricky with this storm. However, a swath of 3-6 inches of wet snow is expected across north central and northeast Illinois by the time snow diminishes to lighter snow and flurries later this evening. There is even the possibility for some thunder-snow this afternoon, which could result in a few locations seeing 6+ inch amounts, though it would likely be quite limited in aerial coverage. Areas to the southeast which sees more of a mix of precipitation during the day will eventually change over to wet snow this evening, but with amounts tapering off quickly to less than 2 inches across the far southeast parts of our forecast area. In addition to the snow, northeast winds will gust up to 40 mph at times today, which will likely cause blowing and drifting snow and poor visibility. All of this will likely affect the afternoon commute. A winter weather advisory is in effect from Noon to 9 pm, for the area shaded in purple on the graphic.”
Check to read more about the Winter Weather Advisory…
Check here to view images of the forecasted storm…
Check here for a probabilty map for more than 4″ from 6am Tuesday to 6am Wednesday…
