Monday is predicted to be a blustery, winter-like day with lake-effect snow, gusty winds, falling temperatures, and sporadic flurries over parts of Illinois and Northwest Indiana.
Up until four in the morning on Tuesday, Northern LaPorte County was under a winter weather advisory, according to the National Weather Service. Strong winds and falling snow were predicted to “significantly reduce visibility” in that area, making it difficult to travel in the morning and evening.
In addition, the NWS stated that 2 to 5 inches of snow accumulation is also predictable.
Wind advisory in effect for Porter and Lake Counties, Indiana; gusts up to 45 mph were predicted along with 20–30 mph northwest winds.
“Tree limbs could be blown down, and a few power outages may result,” the National Weather Service said.
For a few miles inland and around Lake Michigan, the NWS predicts the strongest winds. Further reduction in visibility could come from sporadic morning snow showers accompanied by strong winds.
According to officials, the advisory is still in force for Lake County until 3 p.m. and for Porter County until 6 p.m.
On Monday morning, reports of wind gusts reaching 40 mph were made in Illinois, causing slick and slippery driving conditions as a band of gusty snow moved across DuPage, Central Cook, Kendall, and Northern Will counties.
Snow showers are expected to continue moving across the Chicago area throughout the morning commute, the NWS tweeted. “Be careful if driving this morning – there are snow showers leading to brief but dramatic changes in road conditions,” the NWS advisory stated.
Monday’s temperatures will drop, according to the NBC 5 Storm Team, even though the light to moderate snow flurries that have been plaguing the Chicago area are predicted to end by lunchtime.
Alicia Roman, a meteorologist for NBC 5, says that the high temperature of 33 degrees will occur at around six in the morning and then decline.
According to Roman, the temperature will reach 28 degrees by 4 p.m., but the wind chill factor could make it feel as low as 15 degrees.
Tuesday is predicted to stay cold, with high temperatures in the low to mid-30s, Roman continued. Monday night’s skies are expected to clear.