With more snow and dangerously cold temperatures on the way, NBC Chicago’s Lauren Petty offers tips for staying safe in the cold, particularly for kids playing in the snow.
Editor's Note: We're keeping track of live storm updates, including the latest on road conditions and snow totals here.
The snow isn't over yet in the Chicago area, but when can you expect the second wave and how long will it last?
The first round of snow may have ended across much of the area, but dangerous conditions are still in store for the afternoon and evening hours, though timing for the expected snow has shifted from what it was Friday morning.
Here's a look at what to expect throughout the day and beyond as another round nears:
2-5 p.m.
"Rain and a rain/snow mix will continue for much of the area through the afternoon before a transition back to all snow areawide," the NWS reported.
Several counties remain under a winter storm warning, including McHenry, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Lake, and northern and central Cook counties, where 3 to 5 inches of additional accumulation is expected.
Local
5 p.m.-10 p.m.
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Any rain that developed after the morning snow will change back to snow later Friday as the wind gets stronger, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team. Some areas, particularly in the city and south, will continue to see a rain-snow mix throughout the evening commute.
The largest snowfall totals with this wave are expected to fall after 5 p.m. and into the overnight hours as temperatures continue to drop.
With this round, areas north and northwest of Chicago are likely to see the biggest impacts.
The conditions could again make travel dangerous in parts of the area, regardless of snow totals, with high winds leading to blowing snow and dropping temperatures potentially making for icy roads in some spots.
According to the National Weather Service, the greatest travel impacts will be through the early evening hours "primarily for areas north of I-80."
The NWS warned travelers to expect "downright dangerous travel conditions" across much of the area, especially in northern Illinois during the evening commute as the snow continues to ramp up.
A winter weather advisory also takes effect at 9 p.m. for Kankakee, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, southern Cook and Will counties in Illinois are also under a winter weather advisory.
"Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility," the alert warns.
MORE: School closures: More than 100 Chicago-area schools, libraries closed amid winter storm
"A snowy 24 hours is expected," NBC 5 Meteolrogist Alicia Roman said.
Overnight into Saturday
The biggest threat with the second round is expected to arrive late Friday and into Saturday morning.
Winds are expected to pick up between 10 p.m. and midnight. Depending on the snowfall rates, blizzard-like conditions are possible as higher wind gusts kick in.
A winter weather advisory also begins for Lake, Porter, Newton and Jasper counties in northwest Indiana at 11 p.m.
Some areas will see snow continue throughout the overnight hours before it begins to taper Saturday morning.
Colder air will move in during this frame, leading to potentially icy conditions.
Winter storm warnings and advisories are scheduled to expire at noon Saturday.
Sunday
Wind chills will drop to -20 and -30 degrees Sunday through Wednesday, with 20-30 mph wind gusts expected. These temperatures will mark the coldest days seen in the city since the end of January 2019.
Latest information on the Chicago snowstorm
You can find our latest stories on the Chicago snowstorm below:
- Live snow radar map: Track weather near you as storm snarls Chicago area
- Illinois winter road conditions: Buses rerouted, crashes reported and more
- Power outages: Tens of thousands of ComEd customers without power amid winter storm
- Flights canceled: Ground delay at O'Hare, thousands of flights canceled across Chicago airports
- School closures: More than 100 schools closed across Illinois
The NBC 5 Storm Team is tracking this forecast as it develops. Stay tuned for updates as each system approaches.
