Snowfall Starts Tuesday In Skokie: What To Expect

SKOKIE, IL — Skokie residents are poised for their first significant snowfall of the season with the storm expected to hit the Lake County and Cook County regions Tuesday afternoon.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for northern Cook County and Lake County that runs from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning. Forecasts are calling for snowfall to start around 3 p.m. Tuesday, with precipitation to continue through Tuesday night.

Niles Township residents should expect rain, snow, freezing rain and sleet until about 5 a.m. Wednesday, when the wintry mix turns to rain. Temperatures are expected to rise to about 33 degrees by 3 a.m.

National Weather Service forecasts indicate there could be 1 to 3 inches of snow and sleet by Wednesday morning. There could be more snow between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday, with a slight chance of snow after that.

There is a 100 percent chance of precipitation Tuesday and Wednesday in Skokie, according to the National Weather Service.

Thursday is expected to be partly cloudy with a high near 32 degrees, though winter weather could return just after the start of the New Year, with a slight chance of snow after 1 a.m. Friday.

There is an 90 percent chance of precipitation New Year’s Day, with a mix of rain, snow and freezing rain expected throughout much of the day.

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.

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 tail pipe is clear. Remove snow from car exhaust pipe(s) before sitting in the 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.

If you must head out on the road, officials recommend having a winter storm survival kit with you. According to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, in addition to any medication you may need if you get stranded, your car should be stocked with:

• Cell phone and charger
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Knife
• High calorie, non-perishable food
• Water
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• A large empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
• A smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand (or cat litter) for traction on snow and ice
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope with loops (avoid chains and hooks if at all possible)
• Booster cables
• Water container
• Compass and road maps

Snapped any great photos of the recent snowfall? Send them to Skokie@Patch.com along with permission to post on Patch and the photographer to credit.