Winter Storm Warning For Batavia Thurs. Afternoon, Up to 4 Inches Possible

Expect a wet day and a dangerous, snow-filled evening in Batavia, according to the latest weather forecast.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Kane County and the larger Chicago area starting at 3 p.m. this Thursday afternoon until 3 a.m. Friday.

The warning replaces the lesser Winter Storm Watch issued earlier.

Rain will change to snow this afternoon, and the snowfall will be heavy at times. The heaviest snowfall and lowest visibility looks to occur in the immediate Chicago metro area between 6 and 10 p.m. today, Dec. 20, the weather service says.

In the Batavia area, snow accumulation is expected to be about 4 inches. This number can fluctuate between 2 and 6 inches. Locally higher snowfall can occur if heavy snow bands with "thundersnow" occur.

Residents and motorists should prepare themselves for:

• Intense snowfall rates
• High winds
• Reduced visibility
• Blowing and drifting snow

Thursday Morning Forecast

Today will be overcast at 46 degrees, with a chance of a thunderstorm and rain showers, the weather service said. The rain will develop into snow and a chance of a thunderstorm (thundersnow). Expect wind gusts of up to 30mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

Thursday Afternoon/Evening Forecast

There is a 100 percent chance of snow for the afternoon and a chance of a thunderstorm after midnight. The low will drop to 19 degrees with wind gusts of up to 55 mph. Total snow accumulation of up to 4 inches is possible.

The highest amounts of snow are expected across the far north and northwest suburbs of Chicago, and across northeast Porter County, IN.

Storm Conditions Dangerous

The heavy snowfall and strong winds will result in greatly reduced visibilities and possibly near-blizzard conditions. Falling temperatures will cause roads to become snow covered and travel treacherous. This will likely impact the evening rush hour. The strong winds may also result in minor damage and sporadic power outages. The greatest chance for blizzard or near-blizzard conditions is near the lake.

This weather forecast was courtesy of the National Weather Service in Chicago.

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