Winter Storm Update
Saturday, December 1st, 2007… WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2:00 PM TO MIDNIGHT CST …
Damaging ice accumulations and strong winds are likely late this afternoon and evening.
Snow and sleet mixed at times with freezing rain will overspread northern Illinois during the early to mid-afternoon. Precipitation will likely transition to all freezing rain by evening. Freezing rain will fall rather heavily at times resulting in rapid accumulations of ice on trees, powerlines, and untreated roadways.
Snow and sleet accumulations of 1-3″ are possible this afternoon particularly along the Wisconsin border. However of much greater concern is expected damaging ice accumulations. Once the precipitation changes to freezing rain ice accumulations of 1/4″ to 1/2″ will be common with some locations picking up one 1/2″ to 1″ of ice accumulation before temperatures rise above freezing.
Southeast winds will increase to 20-30 MPH with some gusts approaching 40 MPH this evening. Ice accumulations on trees and powerlines will weigh them down making them extremely vulnerable to the strong winds and likely resulting in power outages. This is a potentially dangerous situation; the potential exists for widespread and prolonged power outages across the warning area.
It only takes a small amount of ice accumulation on untreated roadways to make travel nearly impossible. The storm is quickly approaching and preparations for this winter storm should be rushed to completion. Persons in the warning area should be prepared for the possibility of several days without power. Stock up on non-perishable foods, flashlights, batteries, and medications in the event of prolonged power outages.
A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet, and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible.
