The National Weather Service issued a snow warning for several northern Illinois counties late Friday, warning of extremely dangerous travel conditions and winds of up to 50 mph.
The warnings issued after 8 pm remain in effect till 9:45 pm. For Lake, DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties in the Chicago area, as well as parts of Lee, Ogle, Winnebago and Boone counties.
According to forecasters, at 8:41 p.m., there was a dangerous snowfall with a line moving southeast at 30 mph from near Muskego to Rockford Airport near Coleta.
A new Snow Squall Warning was issued for far northern Illinois, including into far northwestern Chicago suburbs, as well as the I-88 corridor from near DeKalb and westward. Those planning to travel I-39,. I-90, & I-88, consider delaying until after 11 pm! #ILwx https://t.co/EvtyV5G1DG
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 19, 2022
The NWS said a snow squall is defined as a short but intense burst of snow accompanied by strong winds that can cause whiteout or whiteout conditions.
Forecasters have warned that people getting out of their vehicles during snowfall could result in serious injuries and deaths, explaining that drivers may not see you or stop.
The National Weather Service in Romeoville tweeted Friday that the snow warning was the second one issued by its office, the first issued earlier this winter.
Do you know what a snow squall is? It's a short but intense burst of snow accompanied by strong winds that can produce whiteout or near whiteout conditions. We'll issue Snow Squall Warnings when one of these squalls is particularly intense & may cause extremely difficult travel. pic.twitter.com/qW90Et1j7v
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) February 19, 2022