9 Inches Of Snow Possible, Winter Storm Watch Issued For IL

ILLINOIS — The Chicago area is under a winter storm watch as several inches of snow are expected to hit the area Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. A winter storm watch has been issued from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon for DeKalb, Kane, McHenry, DuPage, LaSalle, Kendall, Grundy, Kankakee, Cook and Will counties.

According to the weather service, total snow accumulations of 5 to 9 inches are forecast, with higher amounts locally possible. Heavy, wet snow is likely, along with easterly winds gusting up to 30 mph.

The weather service said the biggest impacts will be late Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening. Travel could be dangerous, and low visibility and snow packed roads are possible.

The snow will ease on Sunday, although some travel impacts are still possible, the weather service said.

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

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

SATURDAY: Snow after 4 p.m. High near 34. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Snow, possibly heavy at times. Low around 30. Breezy, with an east southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. New snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches possible.

SUNDAY: Snow. High near 33. Breezy, with a north northeast wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Snow, mainly before 7 p.m. Low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Shoveling safety

Saturday's snowstorm is expected to bring wet, heavy snow, and shoveling in these conditions can bring the risk of slips and falls, sprained backs, hypothermia, dehydration and heart attack.
According to the American Heart Association, before you pick up that shovel, you should:

• Avoid eating a heavy meal.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Use a small shovel, as lifting heavy snow can increase blood pressure.
• Learn the dangers of hypothermia and dress in layers.
• Know the signs of a heart attack: chest discomfort, pain in the arm, neck or jaw, cold sweat, nausea and shortness of breath. Stop immediately and seek medical help if you notice any of these symptoms.

Also important, if your car becomes snow-covered, before you start digging it out, make sure the tailpipe is clear. Remove snow from car exhaust pipe(s) before sitting in car and letting it warm up. Failure to remove snow can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure there is ample room for air to circulate behind your car to allow any exhaust to dissipate and not build up around your car.