Friday Morning Update: The latest weather updates can be found here. Our original story continues below.
A potential winter storm on Friday will bring snow or rain - or both - to parts of the Chicago area, but what you'll see will depend heavily on several factors.
The exact path of the system and what it will mean for the Chicago area remains in flux even in the hours leading up to the weather event, but forecasters are starting to lock in on a projected path.
Here's a look at the possibilities ahead and when the storm is expected to hit:
Friday Morning
Numerous Chicago-area counties that were under a winter storm watch scheduled to start Friday morning have seen that upgraded to a winter storm warning instead. The warning, and an accompanying winter weather advisory, will go into effect at noon.
Friday Afternoon
Local
The warning will take effect at noon in eastern Will County and all of Kankakee County in Illinois, as well as Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton and Jasper counties in Indiana. It will run through 10 p.m.
A concurrent winter weather advisory will be in effect during those times in DuPage, Kendall, Grundy, and LaSalle counties, as well as central and southern Cook County and northern and southern Will County.
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Snowfall rates could be especially dangerous in the warned part of the area, with 2-to-3 inches of snow per hour possible.
Even with warmer-than-usual pavement, that much snow could cause serious travel headaches, along with wind gusts in excess of 40 miles per hour.
In parts of the area under an advisory, 1-to-2 inches of snow per hour could fall, with lower accumulations of 1-to-4 inches expected during the afternoon and evening.
Friday Evening
The evening commute could also be impacted by the storm, with snow continuing through 9 p.m. in most Illinois locations.
Cool temperatures could also cause slick spots to develop, especially on untreated surfaces.
What Else to Know
The NBC 5 Storm Team notes that the approaching system is "tricky" and "complex," and even the slightest shift in its path could dramatically alter predictions for the Chicago area.
Additionally, temperatures Friday in some areas may remain above 32 degrees, which means the precipitation would remain in liquid form, potentially resulting in heavy, soaking downpours at times.
As models continues to shift, the forecast remains fluid, the NBC 5 Storm Team cautions.
