UPDATE: Statement as of 12:21 PM CST on December 20, 2012
… Blizzard Warning in effect until midnight CST tonight…
… Winter Storm Warning is cancelled…
The National Weather Service in Chicago has issued a Blizzard Warning… which is in effect until midnight CST tonight. The Winter Storm Warning has been cancelled.
* Timing… rain will change to snow by early to mid afternoon..and will be heavy at times. The snow will taper off and linger through the night. Very strong winds will develop as snow arrives and continue overnight.
* Snow accumulation: current indications are that totals of 4 to 7 inches are likely. Locally higher amounts are possible if heavy snow bands with thundersnow occur. Snowfall rates in excess of 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible.
* Wind: winds will become northwest and increase to 30 to 40 mph this afternoon and continue tonight with gusts between 45 and 55 mph likely in DeKalb County… to around 60 mph in LaSalle County.
* Impacts… the combination of the heavy snow and very strong winds will result in blizzard conditions… which include visibility at or near zero and significant drifting of snow. This combination of wind and very heavy snowfall rates will make travel extremely dangerous or even impossible at times given that it may be very difficult to keep up with snow removal. The strong winds may also result in minor damage and sporadic power outages.
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
A Winter Storm Warning for snow and strong winds means severe winter weather conditions are expected and will make travel dangerous. If you must travel… keep an extra flashlight… food… and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Precautionary/preparedness actions…
A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions… making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel… have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded… stay with your vehicle.
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story