9 Inches Of Snow Possible For IL, Then Bitter Cold

ILLINOIS — A winter storm warning is in effect for the Chicago area through Sunday morning, and the first major snowstorm of the season could bring as much as 8 to 9 inches of snow to some areas. After the snow stops, the Chicago area will get hit by plunging temperatures, the National Weather Service said.

The winter storm warning for Will, Grundy, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties is in effect until midnight, while the warning for Cook, DuPage and Lake counties lasts until 6 a.m.

The heaviest snow is expected to hit between 3 and 11 p.m., with snowfall rates as high as 1 inch per hour at times.

Expect the snow to start off heavy and wet, with wind gusts over 30 mph potentially creating dangerous travel conditions with blowing and drifting snow. The strongest winds are expected to be along the lakefront, and most of the gusty winds will hit after dark, NWS said.

Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and if you must drive, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of emergency.

Much of northern Illinois, including the Joliet area, could see 4 to 8 inches of snow, with 5 to 9 inches possible near Chicago and the lake.

Snow ends, deep freeze begins

But the New Year's Day snowstorm won't be the end of this week's wintry weather. Once the snow stops, the National Weather Service says temperatures will nosedive as the coldest air of the season moves into the Chicago area.

Sunday night into Monday, wind chill values will hit zero to -20 degrees — cold enough to cause frostbite within 30 minutes — across the area. Here's a sampling of projected wind chills:

• DeKalb: -19
• Elgin: -14 degrees
• Joliet: -11 degrees
• Chicago: -2 degrees

The plunging temperatures could bring rapid buildup of ice along rivers, with an ice jam threat along the Fox, Rock and Kankakee rivers, NWS said.