A complex snow system will affect the region tonight through late Saturday night with a wintry mix of heavy rain, sleet, ice and snow.
Rain will continue throughout the day Friday before transitioning to freezing rain and sleet and then to snow, beginning in North Central Illinois before shifting southeast across the remainder of the area through Saturday afternoon. The snow should end late Saturday night.
At this time, areas northwest of Chicago are forecast for the most impact, with up to 1-3″ of sleet accumulation, 1/4″ ice, and 3-7″ of snow. Areas south of I-80 will receive heavy rainfall of around 2-3″ before changing to a wintry mix and ending in an expected 2-3″ of snow.
Winds will increase dramatically tonight into Saturday with gusts potentially over 40 mph area-wide.
A Winter Warning is in effect for Northwest Illinois, and a Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Kane, Du Page, and Kendall counties. A Flood Watch is in effect for the southern half of the Chicago area.