The biggest snow of the new season appears to be on the way—potentially the biggest since 8.8” fell earlier this year on Feb. 13. A classic Alberta Clipper, named for the southwest Canadian province through which the storm passes before diving into the Midwest, is responsible for the impending snowfall. An offshoot of a powerhouse Pacific storm which lambasted the Pacific Northwest Monday, the system boasted a central pressure (949 mb. or 28.02”) Sunday night—the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane.
Near Lake Michigan, flurries may flutter to earth sporadically into early afternoon. But, snow begins falling more steadily from Tuesday afternoon’s thickening overcast, and is likely to fall heaviest at times toward evening and through a good portion of the night. Initially light winds strengthen Tuesday night and gusty NNE winds deliver lake-effect snow showers Wednesday. Snowfalls in the 3-6” range appear a good bet.
--By Tom Skilling, WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
