More than 60 percent of the Lower 48 was covered with snow late Wednesday, greatest of
the past five winters. The behemoth of a winter storm which buried the Mid-Atlantic and
New England Wednesday after a deadly trek distributing ice and snow across 34 states,
contributed mightily to the nation's snowy state. The 2.4 inches -- much of it lake-effect
-- which fell at O'Hare, advanced the season's snow tally to 44 inches -- 19.1 inches
more than a year ago. It was the city's 31st measurable snow -- the third greatest to date
in 124 years. Areas downstate were reeling after more than a foot of snow accumulated.
Sumner -- on the Illinois/Indiana border near Vincennes -- was hit by 12.5 inches as was
Indianapolis where the storm was the worst in 13 years. 16 inches was reported at Grand
Valley, Penn. and more than two feet of snow was expected in New England's mountains.
Our area's heavy snowpack facilitates at least two reinforcing surges of arctic air over
the coming week -- the first to arrive Thursday night, gripping the area into Saturday
morning -- and the second to hit Sunday night and Monday. "Mild" air will make its move on
the area this weekend with rising temperatures and gusty winds Saturday night
propelling readings above freezing Sunday.
--Tom Skilling, Chief Meteorologist, WGN-TV/Chicago Tribune
WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling and the WGN Weather Center staff provide daily coverage of weather in the Chicago area.
