Chicago Weather Alert: Winter Storm Warning With Snow To Follow Rain, Ice

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CHICAGO (CBS) — A Winter Storm Warning goes into effect overnight for the City of Chicago and for areas to the south and southeast. A Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect for northern Cook County and areas to the west.

(Credit: CBS 2)

The high hit a balmy 55 on Wednesday with strong southerly winds, but that didn’t last.

Heavy showers rolled in Wednesday evening. Downpours and thunder will be possible through 1 a.m.

Between the downpours and rapid snow melt, there was a concern about street flooding through midnight.

Cold air moves in overnight, allowing for a brief window for sleet and freezing rain between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Light accumulations of ice will be possible.

(Credit: CBS 2)

Following a lull in the morning, now chances increase late Thursday morning around 11 a.m., and continue through the afternoon and evening hours. Some heavy snow is possible. A strong north wind will create blowing snow, reducing visibilities for some during the afternoon and evening commute.

The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation has deployed 211 plows to clear streets and spread salt ahead of the winter storm. The plows will focus on clearing ice and snow on the city’s arterial routes and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

To view the city’s fleet in real time, go to www.chicagoshovels.org.

The latest projections for snowfall totals have backed off a bit. As of 10 p.m., the new models indicated 1 inch or less for Lake and McHenry counties to the north; 1 to 3 inches from Schaumburg to DeKalb; 2 to 4 inches from downtown Chicago southwest to DuPage County, Joliet, and Morris; and 4 to 6 inches southern areas of Cook County, Will County, and the rim of the lake in Northwest Indiana. Totals greater than 6 inches may be seen farther south and southeast near Rensselaer, Indiana.