Season’s first big snowfall starts Monday night; northern Illinois could see 7-11 inches

Memories of a dry, warm December soon will be long gone as snowfall is expected to begin Monday night for most of northern Illinois and last all day Tuesday, bringing with it almost a foot of snow in some areas, forecasts show.

Much of northern Illinois including DeKalb, McHenry, Kane, Lake, La Salle, Ogle, Lee, Winnebago and Boone counties, is expected to see significant snowfall, predicted to be between 7 to 11 inches. A winter storm warning was issued for those areas beginning at 8 p.m. Monday effective through 6 a.m. Tuesday. The advisory will turn into a winter storm watch effective from 6 a.m. Tuesday through 3 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

It’ll be a heavy, wet snow, said Scott Baker, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, so motorists should be prepared for hazardous road conditions.

“It’s going to coat the roads,” Baker said. “The heavy wet snow will almost make it where ... it’s kind of going to be like a concrete type of snow. Very difficult for travel, hazardous and sometimes dangerous. So it definitely will make it a challenge for getting it cleared off [the road] in terms of just how heavy and thick it will be.”

[ IDOT app provides road condition updates ]

A brief lull in precipitation could bring needed respite for commuters between 7 and 10 a.m. Tuesday, he said.

But once the snow starts Monday night it’s more than likely to last until early morning Wednesday, Baker said. Look for the main round of snowfall to begin between 7 and 9 p.m. Monday coming from the southwest and moving northeast through the region.

Those near the Illinois Valley area may see some rain mixed in, too. Those as far south as Dixon up through the Illinois-Wisconsin border, however, will likely see all snow, Baker said.

“Maybe if you’re far enough just to the southwest you might switch over to rainfall,” Baker said. “It looks like along the I-55 corridor maybe even a little bit further northwest as you come up the Illinois River Valley and then progressing up towards like northern Cook County.”

Anyone planning an ambitious attempt to shovel their driveway before the Tuesday morning commute should be prepared to come back out later to shovel again, and maybe a third time, too, Baker said.

“You’re probably going to want to shovel a couple times,” Baker said. “Take it easy when you’re shoveling.

Just how much can northern Illinois residents expect to get? Most of the region should expect between 7 to 11 inches, Baker said. Those near the Interstate 55 corridor will see significantly less, however, about 3 to 6 inches of snow mixed with rain in some parts.

With temperatures expected to hover around or just above freezing, icy roads won’t be the main concern, though motorists still should prepare for slick roadways. Winds are expected to be about 35 mph, so even with heavy snow, drivers should prepare for reduced visibility in some areas, possibly as low as a half mile at times, Baker said.

“You’re going to want to take it slow, give yourself enough time to get to your destination wherever you’re going,” Baker said. “The key thing to remember is to turn on your headlights.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation issued a warning to Illinois travelers Monday. IDOT representatives said crews spent Monday out pretreating roads and bridges. Motorists should expect snow plows to be out most of the time, too.

“Our team at IDOT spends the entire year preparing for snow and ice season, but the public’s cooperation is essential to ensure everyone’s safety,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman in a news release. “The safest option during winter weather always is to avoid unnecessary trips. If you are driving, expect travel to be slow and build plenty of extra time into your schedule throughout the week. Conditions may be dangerous at times. And please give our plows and trucks room to operate during any storm and after the snow has stopped falling.”

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead if they need to travel. IDOT recommends traveling with a winter emergency kit in your car, a full tank of gas and, if a crash occurs, to remain inside your vehicle until emergency crews get to you.

If the next few days aren’t enough to satiate an appetite for winter weather, more could be on its way, Baker said. The region has another chance for more snow Wednesday night into Thursday.

And by the end of the weekend, “temperatures are going to plummet,” Baker said. “There’s a teaser for you.”