Cook County, IL-(ENEWSPF)- The last time this agency sent a warning, Chicago was eventually buried in 19 inches of snow.
From the Cook County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management:
The Cook County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (DHSEM) has been advised by the National Weather Service (NWS) to prepare for the oncoming winter storm. At this time this winter storm is not expected to majorly impact Cook County, however, weather can be dynamic and change quickly. At this time the NWS predicts that Cook County will receive 3 – 5 inches of snowfall. With the heavier end of the snow fall affecting the South part of the county and the light end affecting the North. Lightly beginning around 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. the majority of the snow is expected to fall around midnight or 1:00 a.m. and end around 4:00 am. At its peak, snow may fall at approximately one inch per hour.
Gusts along the lakefront could reach up to 35 mph but will most likely be much slower on average. Preceding the snow could be a minor rain/sleet/snow mix. The oncoming snow is expected to be a little wetter and heavier than the blizzard earlier this month. As a result, the snow will be much less likely to blow in the wind.
With recent snow melts from the blizzard earlier this month, river towns should continue to be mindful of the possibility of flooding. Most rivers at this time are near the action stage and will remain so for the duration of this storm. However, most of the river levels have crested and are slowly falling. Lastly, with dropping in temperatures there could be a increased risk of localized ice jam flooding.
The NWS also advises that another storm could follow a similar path that would arrive Sunday night; however, it is too early to definitively predict that storm system.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns feel free to call our office at (312) 603-8180. A duty officer is available 24/7.
Bundle up, Chicago. And prepare.
Thanks to Richton Park Mayor Rick Reinbold for sending this release to ENEWSPF.
