Confidence remains high that a significant snowstorm will hit Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana on New Years Day, with snowfall amounts of 4-8″ expected for a large swath of the area according to the latest forecast models.
Accumulating snow, at times heavy, will persist from late Saturday morning through Saturday evening.
Snow will develop mid-to-late morning Saturday, with the most intense bands expected sometime after 2-4 pm through late evening, when rates of 1″ per hour are possible. Blowing and drifting snow will become a factor after 4-5 pm as northeast winds gust over 30mph before the storm winds down with lingering light snow before dawn on Sunday morning.
At this time, total snowfall amounts of 4-8″ are expected for most of the region by late Saturday. Additionally, there is the chance for lake-effect snow bands around Lake Michigan, potentially adding to snowfall amounts.
As a result of expected poor travel conditions, Winter Storm Warnings will be in effect by the National Weather Service for most of Northern Illinois and Lake and Porter Counties in Indiana throughout the day.
Our hard-working crews will be monitoring the situation throughout the entire weekend, as everyone at Arctic Snow & Ice Control wishes you and your family a Happy New Year!