Winter Storm Coming To Illinois: Snow, Ice, Rain Possible

ILLINOIS — One of the first winter storms of the season is set to impact the Chicago area Friday night and Saturday, the National Weather Service said. Winter storm watches have been issued for much of the Chicago area including Lake, Kane, DuPage, La Salle, Kendall, Cook, Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Ogle, Lee and DeKalb counties from 3 a.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday.

The storm system could have several impacts, including snow, ice and heavy rain. The National Weather Service said ice accumulation is a possibility across portions of north central and far northeastern Illinois late Friday night and Saturday morning.

Accumulating snow and sleet is also possible Saturday and Saturday night, the weather service said. There is still uncertainty with the track and strength of the storm, so exact accumulations and areas affected can't be given.

Heavy rainfall could cause flooding south and east of I-55 Friday night. The weather service said winds will develop Friday night which will build waves and could also cause lakeshore flooding. A flood watch has already been issued for DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Grundy, Will, Kankakee, Livingston, Iroquois and Ford counties.