The National Weather Service has placed Northeast Illinois under a Winter Storm Watch with a strong potential for freezing rain to develop later tonight and continue into the daylight hours Tuesday. Even a very thin coating of ice could create significant travel problems, so persons anticipating a need to be out later tonight and Tuesday should be aware of potential complications and take appropriate precautions.
Warming temperatures may alleviate icing later Tuesday, but rain will probably intensify and snow melt accelerate, causing local flood problems as drainage basins and small streams overflow—especially in susceptible lower-lying areas, basements and streets.
A temperature drop of nearly 45 degrees in 36 hours will hit Thursday and Friday with falling temps Thursday and subzero wind chills likely into the weekend.
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
