4 Inches Of Snow Possible Amid Winter Weather Advisory: When It Could Hit Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — Snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible Thursday, as a winter weather advisory is in effect for several Chicago-area counties.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Cook and Will Counties until 1 p.m. Thursday.

The weather service advised drivers to plan on slippery road conditions and reduced visibility in falling snow.

"A several hour burst of heavier snowfall is expected this morning into early afternoon, which will likely impact travel in some areas," the National Weather Service said. "Snow will turn to rain/drizzle and begin to melt Thursday afternoon."

Snowfall rates could approach an inch per hour for a few hours on Thursday morning, according to the weather service. Snow will be accompanied by winds of 30 to 40 mph.

The snow will move across the area, generally from north to south. The Waukegan area will see heavier snow start from 8 to 9 a.m., Chicago and the western suburbs will see a 9 to 10 a.m. start, and the Joliet area will see a 10 to 11 a.m. start, according to the weather service.

Winds will also increase on Thursday afternoon, with gusts as high as 50 mph possible, the weather service said.