9 Inches Of Snow, Possibly More, Forecast For McHenry Co.

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — McHenry County could get its first major snowstorm of the season with snow expected to start this afternoon and continue through Wednesday morning, weather officials are predicting.

A winter storm warning will take effect at 3 p.m. Tuesday and continue through 9 a.m. Wednesday for McHenry, DeKalb, Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties. Those counties could see between 5 to 9 inches of snow and sleet with more accumulation possible in some areas, according to the National Weather Service. Ice accumulations of up to one-tenth to two-tenths of an inch are possible.

Other counties in the Chicago area will be under a winter weather advisory starting Tuesday afternoon and continuing into Wednesday morning. Between 2 to 6 inches are expected there.

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The snow, which will be heavy at times, will switch to freezing rain. McHenry County residents should plan on snow or slush and snow-covered roads. Sharply reduced visibility is expected late Tuesday afternoon into the evening.

The snowstorm could also effect Wednesday morning traffic.

The National Weather Service said power outages are possible Tuesday into Wednesday due to the combined effects of wet snow accumulation, some icing and wind gusts of up to 30 mph.

Snow will likely be heavy, wet and difficult to shovel. Dangers of shoveling heavy show include slips and falls, sprained backs, hypothermia, dehydration and heart attack.

• Snow, Power Outages: When Will Snow Start, How Much Will We Get?

The Illinois Department of Transportation provides updates on snow- and ice-covered roadways during winter storms here. The map also provides information on bridges and roadways prone to icing and areas where there is blowing snow or icy surfaces.