Snow, 2 Inches Of Rain Possible As Storm System Hits Chicago Area

ILLINOIS — A strong storm system will bring up to 2 inches of rain to the Chicago area through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Rain will begin early Saturday across northern Illinois, and it could be mixed with or change to snow.

The rain-snow line will then shift southeast through Saturday evening as colder air draws into the area, according to the weather service. Portions of northwest and far northern Illinois have the potential for some snow accumulation, and minor snow accumulations for north of Interstate 80.

The Rockford area will receive 1 to 1.5 inches of rain, while the Chicago, Waukegan and Joliet areas will receive 1.5 to 2 inches of rain, according to the weather service. There is also a potential for flooding along the Lake Michigan shore Friday night through Saturday, with gusts to 40 mph possible along the lake.

Temps will be milder Saturday with a high of 51 degrees, and Sunday will be colder with a high of 37.

Here is a more detailed look at the weather this weekend, with a forecast from the National Weather Service:

Friday night: Rain. Patchy fog after 4 a.m. Low around 41. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between three-quarters and 1 inch are possible.

Saturday: Rain. Patchy fog before 10 a.m. Temperature falling to around 37 by 5 p.m. Northeast wind around 10 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New precipitation amounts between a half and three-quarters of an inch are possible.

Saturday night: Rain and snow are likely before 10 p.m., then a chance of snow between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. Little or no snow accumulation is expected.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 35. West wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 10 mph.

Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23.