Community Corner

Snow, Ice Could Make for Messy Thursday Morning Commute

A flood watch has also been issued from 3 a.m. Thursday through Thursday afternoon for Will, Kendall, Grundy, Kane, Cook, Lake, McHenry and DuPage.

By Amie Schaenzer

A mixture of snow, ice and freezing rain could create hazardous travel conditions for Thursday morning's commute, according to a video briefing posted by the National Weather Service at 4:30 p.m.

  • VIEW THE FULL NWS VIDEO ABOVE 
Weather officials said they are moderating four key areas of concern regarding the weather in coming days:
  • The first is a possible period of heavy snow and ice mainly along and north of Interstate 88 late Wednesday and early Thursday. This could lead to snowy and icy roads and hazardous travel. 
  • The second is heavy rainfall, which is expected to enter the area late Wednesday and into Thursday morning mainly near and south of Interstate 88 and Interstate 290. This could lead to standing water and possible flooding. 
  • The third is warm, moist air that will enter the entire Chicago area Thursday afternoon. This could lead to snow run-off, melting snow and the possibility for a dense fog. 
  • The fourth is strong and potentially damaging winds that are expected to enter the area Thursday night. The winds could cause minor damage. 
The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for McHenry, Lake, Kane, Cook and DuPage counties just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday to notify residents of a period of moderate- to heavy-wintry precipitation overnight. 

A couple of inches of snow may accumulate before the wintry mix changes to all rain early Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service. 

A flood watch has also been issued from 3 a.m. Thursday through Thursday afternoon for Kane, Cook, Lake, McHenry, DuPage, Will, Grundy, and Kendall counties. 

High-standing water and flooding is possible in poor drainage and flood-prone low-lying areas. Significant localized flooding is also possible for area streams, creeks and river, according to the NWS. 

Snow-blocked storm drains will also lead to ponding and standing water in urban and suburban areas, which could lead to hazardous travel conditions. 

Visit the National Weather Service for more updates. 


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