01/09/2016
This is an updated graphic for the expected winter weather on Saturday through Saturday night as a low pressure system lifts across the Ohio Valley. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Kankakee and Iroquois counties in Illinois and Lake, Porter, Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana.
The watch was issued for the potential for moderate to heavy snowfall rates and accumulations up to 6" or more after dark Saturday through Saturday night resulting in significantly reduced visibility and snow covered roadways. Strong northwest winds developing Saturday night will further reduce visibility and also could result in areas of blowing snow. Lake effect snow showers and strong winds could continue fairly significant impacts through Sunday morning in parts of Lake, Porter and Jasper counties.
The steady precipitation is expected to start as rain or a rain snow mix in Illinois south of the Kankakee River and in northwest Indiana and then quickly change over to snow as the precipitation becomes heavier and colder air arrives. Accumulating snow is expected for much of the remainder of the area not in the watch, but with lower amounts. Our overall confidence in forecast snow amounts in on the lower side, especially the farther northwest you go in northern Illinois, where it's possible accumulations are minor at most.
Stay tuned for the latest forecast updates as we continue to fine tune the forecast.