A winter weather advisory has been issued for several counties in the region, with the potential for mixed precipitation and slick roads, particularly on Saturday. The National Weather Service announced that the advisory would affect McHenry and DeKalb counties, as well as Boone, Lee, Ogle, and Winnebago counties outside the Chicago area. The advisory will be in effect from noon to 8 p.m., with a combination of rain and snow expected to impact these regions.
A mass of moisture is heading toward the area, and with temperatures not warming quickly enough, the precipitation is likely to start as a mixture of rain and snow. This will mainly affect areas north of Interstate 80, though as the day progresses, temperatures are expected to rise, transitioning the mixed precipitation into all rain by the afternoon. However, in the northernmost parts of Illinois, closer to DeKalb and McHenry counties, the mixed precipitation may persist a little longer, creating the risk of slippery conditions on the roads.
Forecasters have warned that this mix of rain and snow could lead to hazardous travel conditions, urging drivers to exercise caution. Slick patches on the roads, especially in the early hours of the storm, could pose a serious risk to motorists. In addition to icy roads, there is a possibility of power outages due to ice buildup on trees and power lines.
As temperatures continue to rise throughout the afternoon, reaching the upper 30s by the evening, the rain will persist, extending well into the night and potentially continuing through to Sunday morning. The ongoing precipitation could bring further challenges for commuters and residents over the weekend, making it important for everyone to stay updated on weather conditions and plan accordingly.
