Thur, Feb 4th Snow Event Update #1

(10:00PM - 2/2/21) A storm system is expected to move through the region on Thursday, bringing the potential for accumulating snow to portions of Northern Illinois.

Summary...
A storm system is expected to move through the region on Thursday, bringing the potential for accumulating snow to portions of Northern Illinois and a period of high winds to the state. The storm system will eject out into the Plains Wednesday night, then moving northeastward through the Midwest and Great Lakes on Thursday, as it further organizes and strengthens. Model guidance continues to be in some disagreement regarding this event, however the spread has narrowed with time. There are still details that need to be worked out, which will affect precipitation/snowfall amounts and location. With this update with have shifted the snowfall axis a bit further south, as the southern solution within model guidance have gained more support with time.

Forecast...
Northern Illinois: 
A mix of rain and snow will spread into Northern Illinois Thursday morning. For along/north of I-80 snow will then continue into Thursday Night, while south of I-80 a mix of rain and snow will continue into Thursday night. Additionally, windy conditions are expected Thursday evening through Friday morning. The windy conditions, combined with the snow, could lead to low visibility and blowing/drifting snow.

Central Illinois...
Areas of rain will spread into Central Illinois Thursday morning, then continuing through Thursday evening. As colder air wraps in on the backside of the storm system, snow showers will be possible Thursday evening into Thursday night. Additionally, windy conditions are expected Thursday morning through Friday morning. 

Southern Illinois...
Areas of rain will spread across Southern Illinois, from Thursday morning through early Thursday night. Additionally, windy conditions are expected Thursday morning through Friday morning. 

​What's expected...
Snowfall totals of 2-5" are expected along/north of I-88, with amounts tapering to the south. Additionally, a period of high winds are expected across the state from Thursday morning through Friday morning, with wind gusts upwards of 30-40MPH likely during this time.

​Below is the snow forecast for this event.

JP