Rain, sleet, snow likely for Thursday AM commute

CHICAGO — Strong winds are blowing through the area Wednesday and will send temps plummeting and usher in the return of winter weather.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Lake and McHenry counties in Illinois for 6 a.m. Thursday until 9 p.m. Four to seven inches of snow are possible.

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued from 6 a.m. Thursday until 9 p.m. for Cook, DuPage, Will, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, La Salle counties. One to three inches of snow is possible and ice accumulations are possible. Winds gusts as high as 40 mph are possible.

As the weather system approaches our area a wintry mix of rain, sleet , even some freezing rain and snow will ensue early morning impacting the morning commute, changing over to accumulating snow during the day Thursday. Primarily rain is expected farther south of Interstate-80.

Latest warnings and watches from the National Weather Service.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect Thu 3AM-9PM for the blue counties. Heavy snow is possible with total accumulations in excess of 6". Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Plan on slippery roads. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and/or evening commute. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/ronXkypQ47
— Mike Janssen (@MikeJanssenWX) February 15, 2023

A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect Thu 3AM-PM for the purple counties, including northern Snow, freezing rain, and/or sleet could cause slick, hazardous roads. 2-4" snow totals are possible. Winds could gust up to 40 mph. The AM and/or PM commute could be impacted. #ilwx pic.twitter.com/nYHAkhFUPl
— Mike Janssen (@MikeJanssenWX) February 15, 2023

The city of Chicago is projected to get 1 to 3-inches snow – more north and less south portions.

A look at the wind gusts from Wednesday

A powerful 987 mb. (29.15″) winter storm system–the first of two to impact the Chicago area this week—is behind the powerful wind gusts which have whipped the region Wednesday morning.m A second MORE WINTRY storm system sweeps in Thursday (details to follow).

CHECK OUT SOME OF THE PEAK WIND GUSTS REPORTED SINCE MIDNIGHT: