A significant winter storm is forecast to impact Lake County over the next
several days, and the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Blizzard Watch
for the entire Chicago metropolitan area from Tuesday afternoon through
Wednesday afternoon. A blizzard includes both significant snow and very strong
winds. While there is still some variance between weather models, the first
round of snow is expected tonight into Tuesday morning, with perhaps two to four
inches of snow, followed by the much more significant threat of heavy snow from
Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday. The snow Tuesday and Wednesday is expected to
combine with strong winds and blizzard or near-blizzard conditions, including
very low visibility and whiteout conditions. The NWS has also issued a Coastal
Flood Warning for the Lake and Cook County shore of Lake Michigan, where the
winds will push large waves ashore, leading to beach erosion and possible
flooding and subsequent icing of low-lying roads and streets.
The most recent forecasts suggest that snow
totals across Lake County from one to two feet are probable, with some chance of
lake enhancement on Wednesday adding several more inches closer to Lake
Michigan. Sustained winds of 20mph to 30mph are expected overnight Tuesday and
during the day Wednesday, with gusts over 40mph possible. The strong winds will
likely lead to snow drifts of several feet, and will make it a challenge for
transportation personnel to keep roads clear. Isolated utility outages should be
expected throughout the region.
Travel will be challenging Wednesday morning,
and should be avoided if possible.
Motorists should make sure their vehicles are
prepared for hazardous winter conditions, and should check windshield wiper
blades and washer fluid, tires, and defrosters. Travelers should limit their
travel to that which is necessary, allowing extra travel time and ensuring that
cellular telephones are fully charged. Citizens should know how their business,
school, or community will communicate important weather-related scheduling
information, and should have a plan to communicate with family and friends
regarding possible school or business closings. We encourage everyone to take
this opportunity to make sure their family disaster supply kits are
up-to-date. |
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