Copyright Newsweek
For the first time in seven years, Chicago has been issued a winter weather warning in November, according to reporting from the FOX Forecast Center—with the National Weather Service (NWS) urging residents in affected areas to expect “snow rates in excess of 3 inches per hour” from Sunday through to Monday. Why It Matters A severe snowstorm—which is Chicago's first in November for seven years—is expected to bring up to 18 inches of snow, which the NWS says is likely to “cripple travel, including during the Monday morning commute.” That, coupled with strong winds, could lead to reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions. What To Know The NWS has issued a winter weather watch effective from late Sunday night through Monday for central Cook, northern Cook, and southern Cook Counties. Eastern Will County is under a winter storm warning. These areas are forecast to experience intense lake-effect snow, with snowfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour, potentially resulting in between 6 to 18 inches of accumulated snow, especially near the Lake Michigan shoreline. Northerly wind gusts of up to 30 mph are also expected, which could lead to blowing snow and significantly reduced visibility. The NWS warns that driving conditions may become “dangerous to impossible,” particularly during the Monday morning commute. There is also a limited risk of thundersnow, involving heavy snow with thunder and lightning. What People Are Saying The NWS has confirmed that: “Lake effect snow is often very localized, with conditions varying from safe to dangerous across just a few miles. Snow totals in the Winter Storm Warning area may vary considerably from one location to the next.” In a winter weather warning for Michigan and Wisconsin, earlier on Sunday, the NWS also issued the following about lake effect snow: “Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility, and road conditions.” The Chicago NWS has said that: “Travel is not advised where the lake effect snow is occurring. Conditions can vary considerably across short distances with lake effect snow.” What Happens Next
