Winter storm advisory in effect Thursday night

By: 
STAFF REPORT

The calendar may read mid-April, but we’re not out of the woods yet when it comes to a visit from Old Man Winter.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory for the area, with another late season round of accumulating snow expected Thursday night into early Friday.

The advisory goes into effect at 11 p.m. on April 16, and includes Will and Grundy Counties.

The NWS said the storm could bring total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches, with heaviest snowfall expected between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. Snowfall rates of one inch per hour or higher are possible overnight. This will allow snow to quickly accumulate on area roadways.

Light to moderate snow, possibly beginning as rain, will move in late Thursday. Snow is expected to be heavy flakes, as a heavy, narrow corridor sets up across north central Illinois.

There is also the potential for snow to also accumulate on trees, according to the NWS advisory, as many have leaves already. That accumulation could result in some breaking branches.

The advisory will be in effect until 1 p.m. on Friday, April 17.

Locally higher amounts may be possible where the heavy snow band sets up. Rain will be mixed in with the snow in some areas.

The storm is expected to leave slippery road conditions that will impact the Friday morning commute.

Residents are encouraged to only travel if necessary, and slow down and use caution while on the roads.

The latest road conditions for Illinois can be found at www.gettingaroundillinois.com.