A winter storm warning remains in effect as the second major snowstorm of the season batters the Chicago area, creating difficult driving conditions and resulting in more than 100 flight cancellations at the city's airports.
The warning, which went into effect at 3 p.m. Saturday, continues through 6 p.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
The following counties are included in the warning: Boone, McHenry, Lake, De Kalb, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Cook, Will counties in Illinois as well as Lake and Porter counties in Indiana.
The alert warns of "heavy wet snow" and wind gusts of up to 30 or 35 mph. Accumulations of 5 to 9 inches or higher are possible.
According to NBC 5 meteorologists, areas closer to Lake Michigan could see an additional 1 to 2 inches, ultimately accumulating to 10 to 11 inches, due to lake enhanced snow.
A winter storm watch remains in effect for Newton and Jasper counties in northwest Indiana through Sunday morning, warning of 3 to 7 inches of snow possible, with some locations seeing higher totals.
The winter storm watch warns of heavy, wet snow and strong winds that could cause low visibility and snow-packed roads, making travel conditions dangerous.
Weather
Initial projections show totals could be between 4 to 8 inches by dawn. An icy mix is possible far south toward the Kankakee River Valley which may limit totals.
Though things will lighten during the morning hours, how intense the snow will stay and for how long remains unclear. There's likely to continue to be travel impacts during the morning hours.
There is again another chance for lake effect snow on Sunday following the storm, which could bring additional accumulations of 1 to 2 inches to areas along Lake Michigan.
The winter storm watch will continue through 6 p.m. Sunday for counties north of I-80 and by the lake, but only until 12 p.m. Sunday for those south of I-80 and in the western portion of the region.
The lake effect snow could continue into Monday morning, initial forecasts indicate.
