Winter Storm Warning Issued For Lake County

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A snowstorm that could dump more than eight inches of snow is expected to start early Friday in McHenry County.

A winter storm warning will take effect at 3 a.m. Friday in McHenry County and continue through noon Saturday. Heavy snow, strong winds and dangerous travel conditions are expected.

In addition to total snow accumulation surpassing 8 inches of snow, wind gusts of up to 45 mph are in the forecast. Weather officials have said the winter storm will make travel very difficult to impossible and areas where there is blowing snow, visibility could be significantly reduced.

Snow will mix with rain near Lake Michigan and limit snow accumulations after mid Friday morning. Elsewhere in Lake County, snow rates may exceed one inch per hour at times.

The high wind gusts are expected mainly on Friday evening.

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As of late Thursday afternoon, a handful of Lake County schools have announced closures on the Emergency Closing Center website, including schools in Grayslake and Round Lake. Check back to Patch.com for more updates.