New Year’s Eve storm could make travel hazardous across northern Illinois

A winter storm potentially could bring snow or sleet to northern Illinois starting Friday evening, coinciding with New Year’s Eve activities.

The National Weather Service stations in the Quad Cities and Chicago issued a hazardous weather outlook on Wednesday for all points east of Carroll and Whiteside counties and into Indiana.

The outlook qualified the impact of the storm, however.

“While questions regarding the track of this system remain, there is the potential for several inches of snow to fall across the area,” the weather service statement read.

The storm could be accompanied by colder air with subzero wind chills, the service added.

The outlook also said blustery northerly winds have the potential to make travel hazardous across northern Illinois.

In addition, a narrow zone of icy mixed precipitation may occur just south of the Interstate 80 corridor.

The possible timing of the storm varies, however.

The extended forecast shows DeKalb County and McHenry County could see the first rain and snow shortly before 7 p.m. Friday. Overnight temps are to be in the low 20s. There is an 80% chance of snow on Saturday.

Snow and rain is forecast for La Salle-Peru after 8 p.m. on Friday and for Joliet and Kane County after 9 p.m. Friday with temps in the mid- to high 20s. Chance of precipitation is more likely, set at 60%. Then on Saturday, there is an 80% chance of snow.

The Sauk Valley has a 50% chance of snow Friday, but it won’t likely arrive until shortly after midnight. But overnight temps will be around 18. Temps will stay in that range on New Year’s day. There is an 80% chance of snow during the day.