Thundersnow, Gale-Force Winds Predicted for La Grange, Western Springs Area

Those of us following the weather predicting our first significant snowfall on Thursday knew the area would first be hit with rain. In fact, the National Weather Service forecast mentions rain first for the La Grange area.

"Rain (is) likely, then rain and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight," the forecast states.

Locally, the NWS is based in Romeoville.

A second forecast, from the Northern Illinois Storm Chaser Forecasting Facebook page predicts thundersnow.

"Intense thundersnow will boost rates and totals over the area," the status states. "Chicago metro could get 3 inches south to 6 north all being blown around by 60 mph winds."

The page says the event will be short in duration.

By Thursday, the NWS forecast includes occassional rain before 3 p.m. then rain and blowing snow with winds gusting as high as 55 miles per hour ("gale" to "strong gale" on the Beaufort Wind Scale.) The NWS forecast also mentions thunder.

The tempuratures will rise to 47 by noon, but drop to about 37 for the rest of the day.

The chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

A full forecast can be found by clicking here.

Patch will update this story as conditions change.

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