Winter storm could drop 5 to 9 inches of snow across Chicago area

The worst of a brewing winter storm is expected to hit northern Illinois on Saturday.

A winter storm warning has been issued from 3 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday by the National Weather Service.

The Chicago area is expected to see 5 to 9 inches of snow, according to the NWS’ forecast Friday afternoon.

Snowfall is expected to begin Friday night and intensify Saturday morning, forecasters said.

The NWS expects the bulk of the snow to fall between noon and 8 p.m. Saturday. The rate of snowfall may peak at an inch per hour by Saturday afternoon, according to the weather service.

Another winter system could bring additional snowfall Monday night and Tuesday. The temperature is expected to dip into the single digits Sunday and Monday nights.

In anticipation of the storm, Illinois State University said it will close its campus on Saturday. The closure will also postpone the Illinois High School Association football state championships, which were set to take place at ISU’s Hancock Stadium on Saturday.

As the potential for heavy snow looms, Illinois officials said people who plan to travel by car this weekend should be prepared for “hazardous driving conditions,” including low visibility and slippery roads.

“While we are prepared and ready to devote all of our resources to the latest winter weather event, this weekend’s storm will hit when millions of people are returning home from the holiday,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi said in a statement. “Please make a plan to keep you and your loved ones safe, including adjusting travel so you are not on the roads when conditions are at their worst.”

Officials recommend that drivers fill up their gas tank or fully charge their electric vehicle, pack winter weather essentials like traction equipment, warm clothes, food and water, and an ice scraper, and remain inside the vehicle during inclement weather in the event of a crash.