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A round of snow began to move into the Chicago area Thursday for the beginning of multiple waves that could impact commuters -- but not everyone will see it.
Chicago-area residents along and northeast of Interstate 90 were hit with snowfall earlier this evening, with temperatures hovering around freezing bringing a wintry mix before eventually turning to all snow.
Winds will begin to turn off Lake Michigan in the overnight hours, leading to a transition to lake-effect snow by Friday morning.
This could create a hazardous morning commute for those hitting the roads Friday morning.
"With temperatures near freezing, slick spots may develop on untreated and secondary roadway. If planning to travel this evening through Friday morning, prepare for extra time, leave extra distance between cars, and travel at appropriate speeds," the NWS wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The highest totals, which are expected to sit between 2 and 3 inches, are expected along and north of I-90.
According to the NWS, the highest chance of heavier snow is from Rockford to the Chicago metro area, and into Northwest Indiana. Meanwhile a rain-snow mix is possible for those south of a Dixon-Rensselaer line.
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The snow is part of a winter storm moving through central Minnesota and western Wisconsin, the NBC 5 Storm Team said. The snow prompted winter storm warnings and advisories across the Midwest -- including in Racine and Kenosha Counties -- with as much as 7 inches of snow and hazardous travel possible.
⚠️Plan on a messy commute this morning with the heaviest snow from this storm falling between now & noon.
— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) December 19, 2024
The snow becomes lighter this afternoon, but gusty winds could lead to impacts from blowing snow into tonight.#mnwx #wiwx pic.twitter.com/LDbwVAf714
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In addition to the snow, temperatures in the Chicago area will get colder, NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman said, with temperatures in the 30s Friday and dipping into the 20s this weekend before a warm-up arrives next week.
Late Friday morning, most snow showers will come to an end, except around Lake Michigan, where lake effect snow continues. The lake effect snow will shift east into northwest Indiana Friday afternoon and evening, with heavy accumulations possible.
