Sun-Tue, Feb 14-16th Winter Storm Update #1

(11:45AM - 2/13/21) A winter storm is expected to affect the region Sunday through Tuesday, bringing waves of accumulating snow to portions of the state. Additionally, lake effect snow will be possible across Northeast Illinois.

Summary...
A storm system is expected to affect the region Sunday through Tuesday, with an extended period featuring waves of accumulating snow for portions of the state.  The storm system will eject out from the Gulf of Mexico and into the Southeastern US, Sunday and into Monday. The storm system will then move northeastward through the Mid-Atlantic on Tuesday. Model guidance continues to be in some disagreement regarding certain aspects of this event, thus we continue to take a middle ground solution with this forecast update.

Forecast...
A lengthy period featuring waves of accumulating snow will affect a large portion of the state, from Sunday morning through Tuesday morning. During this time snow will be of varying intensity, with a few breaks between periods/waves of snowfall being possible. Snow will be moderate to heavy at times, with snowfall rates in excess of 1" an hour at times.

In addition to the synoptic snow, across Northeast Illinois lake enhanced snow is possible during the event and lake effect snow is possible after the event ends. This is expected to lead to snowfall accumulations across Northeast Illinois.

​What's Expected...
Final snowfall totals upwards of 4-7" is expected across Southern Illinois, with amounts of 1-5" expected across Central and Northeast Illinois.
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​Below is the snowfall forecast for this event.

JP