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Highlights:
>Light to moderate band of snow won't last long....with most of the snow out of the area by 9:00 pm
>Cold to come will make what is wet now slick later
>Lows tonight will dip into the middle teens with winds making it feel like the single digits by morning
>Arctic air to take over with the coldest air of the season slated for the Thursday-Friday period
>Clipper will take aim on the area spreading snow into the area late Friday night into Saturday...at this time amounts look in the 1-3" range
>More arctic air to follow Sunday
>Another clipper type system due in here Monday/Tuesday period
Forecast Discussion:
Cold front it through and dying area of light to moderate snow is currently limping through the area. This system is turning out to be a whole lot about nothing. Most areas will end up around that 1" amount with a few 2"-3" reports not out of the question near the Illinois/Wisconsin border and far weet. Attention will now switch to the incoming cold. Looking upstream it looks models are still underestimating the cold coming so have undercut mos numbers by a few degrees through the day on Friday. Lows tonight will dip on average to the middle teens across the area. The wind chills will dip into the lower single digits by tomorrow morning. What a great way to wake up....
Tomorrow will turn out mostly cloudy with a few passing snow showers or flurries. Temperatures will struggle into the lower 20s for highs. Clearing skies and lighter winds will combine with the arctic in place to allow temperatures to fall off to near 10 degrees for lows overnight tomorrow. Some areas with the deeper snow cover away from the lake will see single digits for lows.
Friday will start out with cold sunshine but high clouds will begin to filter in ahead of an approaching clipper system by days end. Strong warmer air brought up out ahead of this system will over-run the cold dome in place to produce enough lift to produce snowfall late Friday night into the day morning hours on Saturday. At this time snow fall amounts look to be on the order of 1-3"....
The clipper clips on to the east dragging yet another cold front through the area Saturday afternoon ushering in another blast of arctic air which will set the stage for a cold Sunday.
The whole process repeats itself Monday-Tuesday although this time the clippers track appears to be further north which will mean even less precipitation and a push of a little warmer air....
As we head into the extended...cold appears to dominate. I'm still watching closely for a pattern reversal...where the cold air aims further west which should produce a winter storm over the central portions of the country.....with that said nothing solid can be seen yet.
Forecast:
This evening: Snow tapers to flurries....snow totals range from near 3" near the IL/WI border to less than an inch south. Turning colder....temps falling into the 20s...Winds NW 10-20
Overnight: Mostly cloudy...cold.....low 15....Winds NW 10-15....Wind Chills 8 to 2 above
Tomorrow am: Mostly cloudy...cold...temps start out near 20....Winds W 10-15....Winds Chills in the single digits
Tomorrow pm: Mostly cloudy....passing flurries...cold....high 23....Winds W 10-15
Tomorrow night: Clearing skies...cold...low 11 (colder west/warmer city)
Friday: AM Sun give way to PM clouds...a chance for light snow after midnight.....cold....high 22 low 19
Saturday: AM snow tapers to PM flurries....At this time snow fall amounts look to be in the 1-3" range....high 29 low 13
Sunday: Mostly sunny but cold....high 25 low 19
Monday: Mostly cloudy with a chance for light snow...snow may mix with rain south.....high 32 low 28
Tuesday: AM flurries....turning colder.....high 30 low 16
Extended:
Wednesday: Partial sunshine.....cold....high 26 low 18
Thursday: snow showers...cold....high 25 low 15
Friday: Mostly cloudy....cold....high 24 low 14
Saturday: Mostly sunny....cold....high 26
Just about everyone has seen or heard a Weathercast on television or radio which mentions a Winter Weather Advisory or a Winter Weather Warning (Storm Warning) when some type of winter weather is forecast for a certain location.
These Advisories and Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service Forecast Office for the County Warning Area they are responsible to monitor. The current Advisories, Watches and Warnings could be found on the Weather Service Home Page.
National Weather Service Chicago Office
The Map displayed on the web page above will show any and all notifications (if any) which are active for the area.
In past years, the NWS could use up to 13 separate products for advisories and warnings for the variety of Winter Weather we experience. This year, that number will be reduced to 7. This will mean fewer types of advisories and warnings to be issued.
Therefore, this coming Winter Season, the products which the National Weather Service uses to alert the public about threatening winter storms will be simplified. The tables below illustrate the changes for this winter season: 
As you can see by the tables above, a Winter Weather Advisory product and a Winter Storm Warning product will be used for a variety of winter weather events.
The first paragraph of the Winter Weather Advisory or Winter Storm Warning will highlight the reason for the product. An example of a simplified Winter Storm Warning would be:
…WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST TUESDAY… THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHICAGO HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW…WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST TUESDAY.
If you look carefully at the table directly above, the 1st pink box describes the Winter Storm Warning. In past years, significant winter weather products were defined to a greater extent. Beginning with the Winter Season of 2008 - 2009 the significant winter weather products will compiled into fewer categories. This will make the initial viewing of an Advisory-Warning map much easier to quickly understand since there could be a number of types of significant weather alerts to be issued.
Once you obtain the Weather Map on the Home Page for the National Weather Service you can easily click on an Advisory or Warning of interest to obtain a detailed explanation and description of the specific facts.
By examining and comparing the Old and New items in these charts, it should become fairly easy for you to understand what type of Winter Weather is being forecast.
Weather Watcher Adan sent in this photo of the Moon, Jupiter and Venus, this shot is looking southward right after sunset today. Since the sky is so clear tonight I decided to take a clear photo before the clouds start to roll in again.
Great shot Adan! Thanks for sending it in! - Amy Freeze
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As of Monday evening, the seasonal snowfall total in South Bend is 20.2". This is the 4th snowiest start to a winter on record. Only three others had more snow through December 1. Here are those years and the snowfall for the season... their winters ended up exceptionally snowy!!!
Year Snow as Seasonal
of 12/1 snow total
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1989 24.0" 73.0"
1977 38.2" 172.0"
1976 24.3" 129.2"
Average============= 124.7"
Send in your snow photos from NW Indiana to graphics@foxchicago.com
AMY FREEZE
WINTER FORECAST 2008-2009
Just like clockwork, on the first meteorological day of winter, Chicagoland got blanketed with snow.
During the past several weeks, cold air has arrived from Canada, and we have already been clipped with a few surges of sub freezing air. But is this early season cold and snow is likely a sign of the winter ahead.
Last winter had a mild start.. but a cold finish. The winter months last year were active with small but potent storms delivering 60" of annual snowfall at O'Hare. This winter, the science suggests that another cold, wet winter lies ahead. I looked at: sea surface temperatures, seasonal trends and prevailing storm patterns to create this forecast.
First, sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean... these patterns are valuable for long-range forecasting. For example, La Nina, colder than normal ocean temperatures, had a big impact on last winter and our summer weather-- but La Nina is turning into la nada... the ocean temperatures that give us clues to the winter are forecast to disappear -- which makes this winter's forecast exceptionally challenging.
I looked for similar years to what's happening now --- where the la nina was strong then faded. these were years coming off la nina into a neutral winter 25.5 average temp 28"average snow
1950-1951 23.5 40.1"
1985-1986 21.3 23"
1989-1990 27.5 22"
1996-1997 25.3 35.8"
These examples tended to produce colder than normal temperatures but the snow amounts were highly variable to 22" one year, more than 40" in another.
Next, i turned to recent climate patterns --- the SEASONAL TRENDS... because current research (Journal of Climate) shows that the previous seasons give clues for winter weather ahead. Last winter and this summer in Chicago both had near normal temperatures and both were wetter than average. This autumn both october and november were colder than average... but both were also below average for precipitation... October -.5 degrees below average, -.64" in average rainfall. November was -.2 degrees below average and -1.7" in rainfall.
The final piece of science suggests snow is coming. The evidence is found in the prevailing storm patterns. Current storm patterns suggest the jet stream is shifting to where the boundary between cold air to the north and warm air to the south will be right over chicago.
This is an ideal set up for active Winter. It's a pattern brings storms out of Canada and drags them over chicago--- we call them "Clippers" because they bring quick doses of snow --- but these events will also re-enforce the Cold Air intrusion across the Midwest.
My call for this winter is Cold and Wet.
25.5 degrees is average temperature in Chicago for Dec thru Feb
My forecast: 21 to 23 degrees with December being the coldest, January the most mild.
28" of snow is the average snowfall for Chicago Dec. thru Feb. It won't be as snowy as last winter but my forecast is above average snowfall: 32 to 38 inches
Finally - it's not an official disclaimer but it's something important to note. The confidence is not as high in this winter forecast because there are no definitive long term controlling patterns like a La Nina. But the average date of 1" or more of accumulating snow in Chicago is december 4th... we've already hit that mark early and a bitter chill is coming our way this week.
Another new piece of information is the ocean pattern called the NAO -which is best suited for short term forecasting -- suggests a harsh, active mid December... so a cold snow storm for our region in mid December wouldn't be a surprise.Click here to compare my forecast to Climate Predication Center's Winter Outlook!
Our Lady of the Angels School Fire
On December 1, 1958 sometime after 2:00 p.m., a fire started in a trash drum in the basement stairwell of the Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Elementary School, 909 N. Avers. At approximately 2:40 p.m. the first still and box alarms were called in. Engine 85 arrived at 2:44 p.m. By then, the fire had burned undetected for at least 20 minutes.
The fire spread into the stairwells and the second floor corridor, bypassing the first floor where heavy wooden doors leading to the hallway were shut. Hot air and gasses in the basement also filled an open shaft in a nearby wall, ascended two stories inside the walls and filled the cockloft above the 2nd floor ceiling. There, superheated air sparked flames in the north wing of the school. The flames eventually fell into the second floor corridor from ventilator grilles where they combined with dense smoke and gasses and made the hallway impassable. Inside the classrooms, light fixtures and transom windows exploded before the fire broke through the ceiling itself. Children and nuns were trapped. Windows offered the only egress and before any equipment was available for evacuation, children began leaping from them.
The parish priests and civilians who were first on the scene tried to evacuate the building. Engine 85, misdirected to 3808 W. Iowa, expected to find a fire in the parish church. Instead, the fire was raging in the north wing of the U shaped school on Avers, a building erected in 1910. As firemen rushed to the scene, a decision to ignore protocol and immediately request a 5-11 alarm was made. All available ambulances were also requested.
The fire was brought under control at 3:45 p.m. and the work of recovering bodies began. Ninety two students and three nuns died. One hundred sixty children were saved.
The Maximum Temperature for the day was 31° The Minimum Temperature for the day was 17° There was no precipitation recorded for this day, however, the 24 hour temperature never surpassed the freezing point. A Four Page Hourly Weather Summary is displayed below.
Fox Chicago Newscast - January 2007
News Reports & Stories December 1958
A Wonderful Website Dedicated to the Victims & Survivors
Thank you to an Unknown Author for this Wonderful YouTube Photo Compilation
Testimonials from Students My name is Katharine Ann Robarge and I was in 2 second grade at OUR LADY OF THE ANGELES in 1958 I know that I was one of 7 kids in my class that went out the window and the rest of them died in the fire from smoke. The class I was in the teacher told us to stay in out seats but one boy who lived across the street from us told me Annie go out the window with us and I did. It's weird because that day I had to wear a new coat because I had wrecked my snowsuit and my mother told me if I lost my coat I would be in big trouble, so after I got out of the class room I went to the church and prayed that my mother wouldn't be mad at me My mom and dad looked for me and were told that I was in the class room and went to the church to pray and found me there. As it turned out I got to go to the drugstore and got an ice-cream soda (that was a big treat) There was a reporter there and he wrote a story about me and I have been trying to find what paper it was in and when I do I will e-mail it to you. When I got home my aunt Janet made my favorite dinner, fried chicken and mashed potatoes and gravy and I got soda with dinner. It was so long ago but I still remember it like it was yesterday. After the fire we moved to California and my mother remarried and my last name was changed to Swanson and then I got married and now my last name is Japes. Katharine Ann Japes
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"Flying" through the Holidays in Any Kind of Weather
There are some amazing sites to track air travel... they are at the end of this blog and you should definitely bookmark them!
I hate to admit the story I'm about to write down. But it's one of those airport mishaps that you can laugh at.... especially if it did not happen to you! I was living on the East Coast where every city is "close to the Big Apple."
In Philadelphia, you can be in Times Square in an hour and a half... so I agreed that New York was a viable option for my parents to fly into from Salt Lake City for a visit with me in Philly. They could come to a New York airport... instead of Philadelphia... saving about $150 per ticket. Plus, I would drive up and take them into NYC after they arrived. Great plan.
I arrived at the airport... we connected via cell phone... My Dad told me they were at the Arrivals of American Airlines... waiting by the curb.
I drove through, did not see them. I had to do "the loop" and called him back. "Where are you?" We thought we had figured it out... 45 minutes later and 4 loops around the airport.... I said "Dad ask an agent or security person which part of the airport...."
We double, triple checked... He was at arrivals... He was at American... he was at Door 6... I was at the same landmarks... WE STILL COULD FIND EACH OTHER! I was just about to park when I hear the officer say, "Sir, you are at Newark," L O N G P A U S E.
"Dad. I'm at JFK." !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another hour and a half drive, finally I picked my folks up! I have no way to explain how this happened other than I said fly in NY and the airline probably just gave the best price to Newark which is close the city... yadda yadda...
Anyway. All kinds of things can happen when you pick up relatives from the airport. And yes, even when all the communication is perfect.... the weather will ruin the best laid plans... so here's a way to track your flights this holiday season... Best wishes for your on time arrivals... I'll be picking my folks up at Midway... or was it O'Hare?
Track Any Flight and the Weather Click here to track any flight!
Check activity of flights going and coming at O'hare Click here to check airport activity!
Monitor Airport Delays Click here to monitor delays!
The Winter Season in Chicago can offer some extremely picturesque views. A carpet of fresh snow, the feeling of clean & crisp air, icicles decorating trees, children frolicking in a care free manner anxiously awaiting everyone's favorite holiday, Christmas.
However, old man winter can also play havoc on some of our basic necessities. Now is the time to help insure yourselves that your means of transportation will be completely reliable during the harshest winter days. In addition, the welcome mat most of us have at our front door step should also welcome the family back into a warm and worry free environment after a long day at school or work. Here are some basic reminders to help you prepare your automobile and home for the next several months of a Chicago Winter Season.
Automobile 
The first suggestion would be to take your vehicle to a reputable service center for a Winterized Check-up. Many of these centers offer specific winter check-ups for a nominal fee and any necessary repairs would be suggested in writing. Discuss the suggestions with the service manager or mechanic. In the event the proposed cost may be slightly out of monetary reach, be honest and explain that you did not foresee such a cost and perhaps the proposal could be adjusted to address only the most important items to ensure safe transportation and this may lower the amount of the estimate significantly.
In the event you would like to make an inspection on your own, here are some basic items to examine.
Anti-Freeze Check - Make certain your anti-freeze reservoir is filled to it's proper level and is not weak in consistency which would allow the possibility of freezing.
Engine Oil, Transmission, Power Steering, Brake Fluid - These items should also be checked for their proper level. Most importantly, change the engine oil and filter in early December, this will typically provide you with clean, fresh oil for the manufacture's recommended 3 month period between changes which would be in line with the winter season.
Windshield Wipers & Washer Fluid - Visually check your wiper blades for deterioration and cracks. Also, use them with some washer fluid applied to the windshield. If they streak, replace them now since they have already deteriorated and will only become worse and will fail to completely remove any frozen rain or snow. Make certain your washer fluid reservoir is filled with undiluted washer solvent strong enough to withstand sub-zero temperatures. Remember, the freezing point of liquids is affected by wind. Weak or diluted washer fluid may not freeze immediately when it contacts the windshield and the vehicle is at a standstill. However, having a zero degree wind temperature hitting the fluid at 40 mph will certainly encourage the any weak or diluted droplets of fluid to immediately freeze.
Battery & Cables - If you battery is more than a couple years old, have it tested. The starting of cold engines (thick oil in the crankcase) requires significantly more energy from a battery. Check the terminals on the battery for corrosion or frayed cable connections.
Belts & Hoses - Cracked, frayed or worn rubber may not survive through a brutal winter season.
Tires - This is a very important inspection which is sometimes overlooked. Proper traction of tires is essential not only to accelerating (not being stuck in snow) but also to cornering and stopping as well. Your tires are the only means of contact between your vehicle and the road surface. Proper air pressure and tread condition are a crucial factor for safety.
Exhaust Leaks - This is another significant item which is often overlooked. A properly functioning exhaust system directs fumes to the rear of the vehicle for a reason, to avoid contaminating the passenger compartment. Many rush hour rides during a snowstorm result in bumper to bumper traffic conditions. If a muffler or tailpipe are leaking, fumes may find their way into the vehicle with catastrophic results to the passengers.
Seat Belts & Child Restraints - Make certain your seat belt couplings are free from any debris and latch easily and properly. Check all child seats which should be firmly secured to the interior of the vehicle. When securing a person or child with a safety belt during extremely cold temperatures, a proper secure may not have been acquired since your hand are extremely cold.
Inspect All Lights - Headlights, Tail Lights, Reverse Lights, Emergency Blinker Lights & Turn Signal Bulbs should be check frequently to ensure that every one is illuminating. Remember, darkness sets in shortly after 4:pm in winter, your vehicle's lights have much more use in winter than they do in summer.
Passenger Compartment Heater & Defroster - Now is a good time to check all choices and settings of your vehicle's heater and defroster controls. Make certain the fan motor blows at all settings and the air dispersed from every vent, including the floor is adequate and hot. If the air temperature blowing from the vents is not hot or fluctuates in temperature, this may be an indication of low anti-freeze level.
Brakes - If the brakes on your vehicle have not been checked recently, have it done soon. Sometimes brake fluid line leaks are hidden behind the wheels and could only be found by a close examination with the wheels removed. If you notice any fluid on the pavement where you park your vehicle and you believe your vehicle is the source of the leak, don't wait. Try to determine the approximate location of the leak by where the vehicle was parked and have the vehicle inspected immediately. The leak will not repair itself, it will only become worse.
Floor Mats - Make certain your floor mats are clean and not obstructing the floor heater vents. Snow, slush and soil filled mats can and will play havoc on shoes and trouser cuffs.
Emergency Essentials - Pack a winter supply box with a few items which may be necessary during unforeseen circumstances. An ice scraper-snow brush, at least one pair of work gloves, an old jacket, a small blanket, a few clean towels. Keep this box of supplies in your trunk or on the floor of your rear seating area.
Home 
Your home is just as important as your automobile when it comes to your peace of mind that everything is functioning properly. As stated above with respect to your automobile, an examination by a Qualified Professional of your home's components is your best option. However, there are items which can visually be inspected by a homeowner which my insure the efficient operation of basic household components.
Furnace & Boiler- Examine all ductwork registers for any obstructions. Make certain registers and baseboard radiators are lint and debris free. Also make certain that registers or radiators are not blocked or covered by any furniture which may have been moved or just closed off during the summer months. Baseboard radiators are also a good collection area for pet hair and lint, a small nozzle on the end of a vacuum cleaner hose will usually solve this problem. Remember, radiators are a source of natural convection type heat, they must be absolutely clean in order to provide good air flow and function efficiently. Replace the air filter(s) found in Forced Air Furnaces every six months. Check the thermostat(s) to be certain they are lint free also and not obstructed by any object. Install a Carbon Monoxide detector in your utility room near your Furnace-Boiler and Hot Water Storage Tank.
Doors & Windows - Replace all screens in your storm doors with the windows which came with them and store the screens in a safe location until next spring. Switch out all existing window screens with their storm windows in available. Now is also the time to completely close all windows securely. Opening and closing glass windows during extremely cold temperatures is a risk to a cracked pane. Inspect weather stripping around all door jams and replace if necessary. If windows are of the old type such as Double Hung Sash, most hardware stores sell a plastic film type Window Insulator Kit at a reasonable price which will cover the entire window and still allow sunlight to shine through.
Hot Water Storage Tank - A special made hot water storage tank wrap or blanket is available for purchase which will substantially save money by adding extra insulation to your existing hot water tank.
Ceiling Fans - Reverse the direction which your ceiling fan blows air if it is not in the proper setting. For winter operations, the fan should push warm stagnant air accumulated at the ceiling downward and force all of the air in the room to circulate. The Lowest Fan Speed is the best choice for this purpose. To be certain the fan direction is correct, the fan blades should be turning clockwise for winter operations.
Fireplace - A Chimney Sweep Contractor is highly recommended to check the mechanical operations of the Flu as well as an Inspection and Cleaning of the Chimney Liner. During warm months when the fireplace is unused, birds are known to build nests inside uncapped chimneys. Once you ignite a fire in the fireplace, it is too late then to determine your chimney flu is obstructed. Creosote build up is very dangerous and is a major cause of chimney fires. This matter would be addressed by a Chimney Sweep Contractor as well.
Outside of Home - Protectively wrap or store all outdoor summer items such as Lawn Furniture, Barbecue Grills and Swimming Pool Equipment. Check all outdoor light fixtures and now is the best time to replace exterior light bulbs, not trying to set up a ladder in snow. Gutters and Downspouts should be cleaned one final time. Be certain there are no obstructions in or around the Gutter's Splash Extensions and make certain they are in place to disperse water runoff away from the building. Turn off and Drain all exterior water spigots (do not cap, allow to drip free of remaining water). A final fall clean up of yard waste is also recommended. Rake any remaining leaves, twigs and branches and dispose of properly. Areas containing debris such as leaves could pose a hidden danger when a covering of snow falls over them and they become hidden.
Lawn & Snow Power Equipment - Winterize all of your summer gas powered lawn equipment (lawn mowers, weed eaters, etc) by adding a gasoline additive and allowing the items to operate for a short time. Inspect your snow removal equipment. Check the oil and fill the gasoline tank in your snowblower. Lubricate all moving parts. Check the tire inflation and start the engine and allow to run for a short time to allow fresh gasoline to enter the carburetor. Inspect snow shovels for cracked handles and broken blades. Purchase some de-icer or rock salt to have on hand.
In Conclusion - Preventative maintenance can be a great deal cheaper and actually more convenient in comparison to an Emergency Road Tow to a service garage or an Emergency Home Service Call when a failure occurs at an unexpected time.
Here's another press release with reminders on how to get yourself ready for the winter weather approaching! Meteorologist Amy Freeze
Winter Safety Tips for Home and Vehicle IEMA, NWS urge people to prepare for winter weather during Winter Storm Preparedness Week
Nov. 16-22 SPRINGFIELD – While winter doesn’t officially start until Dec. 21, recent weather history shows that treacherous winter weather often starts much earlier in Illinois. In late November 2006, a massive ice and snow storm swept through much of the state, and left thousands of homes without electricity for several days. On the day before Thanksgiving 2004, heavy snow caused hazardous driving conditions for thousands of holiday travelers, many of whom were stranded along the roadside for several hours.
During Winter Storm Preparedness Week Nov. 16-22, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are offering several tips on how people can prepare for dangerous winter weather. “Over the past few winters, Illinois has seen more than its fair share of severe ice storms and record snowfalls,” said IEMA Director Andrew Velasquez. “Winter weather can be dangerous, sometimes even deadly. Just a few minutes of preparation today can keep you and your family safe when winter weather strikes.” According to the NWS, Illinois experiences an average of five severe winter storms each year. However, during the winter of 2007-08, there were 16 severe winter storms, five of which impacted one third or more of the state. While most winters aren’t that severe, there has not been a winter in Illinois without a major winter storm in the past century. Home preparedness A basic home preparedness kit can help you get through winter storms and other emergencies throughout the year. Because a major storm could strand people in their homes and prevent emergency personnel from reaching them for several days, everyone should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least three days. Items in the preparedness kit should include: • Three-day supply of non-perishable food, including high energy foods such as dried fruit and candy • Bottled water (one gallon per family member per day for three days) • Battery-operated radio, NOAA weather radio and extra batteries • Flashlight and extra batteries • First aid kit • Extra medications and special items for babies, the disabled and the elderly When winter storms cause the power to go out, it’s important to ensure that fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, generators and other emergency heating or cooking equipment are properly vented to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Vehicle preparedness Before setting out on a trip, check the latest weather conditions along your travel route and make sure tires, wipers, and lights are in good condition.
Start your trip with a full tank of gas, provide your itinerary to a friend, relative or co-worker, and if possible, travel during daylight hours on main roads. While on the road, be prepared to turn back and seek shelter if conditions become threatening. Keep windows clear of snow and ice and adjust speed for road conditions. Now is the time to equip your car with a winter car survival kit stocked with items that can keep you safe and warm if you should become stranded alongside a road. A car survival kit should include the following: • Cell phone and charger • First aid kit • Water and high-calorie, non-perishable food • Boots, hats, gloves and extra clothing to keep dry • Blanket • Crank radio and flashlight • Sack of sand or cat litter • Shovel • Windshield scraper and brush • Tool kit and tow rope • Booster cables • Compass and road maps
To learn more about winter preparedness, IEMA, NWS and the American Red Cross developed a Winter Storm Preparedness Guide, which is available on the IEMA website at www.ready.illinois.gov or by calling (217) 785-9888.
The guide includes many more tips on how to stay safe in your home and car, as well as information about winter weather terms, frostbite and hypothermia. For more information about energy assistance and weatherization tips through the Governor’s Keep Warm Illinois campaign, visit www.keepwarm.illinois or call toll-free 1-877-411-WARM.
Highlights:
>Lake Effect snow event slow to develop but still expected to pick up tonight when conditions become more favorable
>Heaviest lake effect is expected to fall near the Indiana/Michigan Border in North-eastern La Porte /South-western Berrien Counties
>Skies will clear for the rest of us later tonight leading to the coldest night of the season thus far
>Sunny But Cold Tomorrow
>Moderation this weekend
>Next cold push will arrive on Monday
>Turkey day still looks quiet...gobble....gobble....
Lake Effect Snow Warning La Porte & Porter Counties...Valid until 9:00 am tomorrow morning for snowfall amounts between 3 and 8"....
Forecast Discussion:
Cold pool of air will center itself overhead later tonight then begin to ease off to the north and east as we head into the upcoming weekend. High pressure at the surface will build in later tonight leading to clearing skies. The one exception once again will be downwind of the lake where the cold air flowing over the relatively warm waters of the lake will lead to lake effect snows.
By tomorrow morning the winds will begin to back more westerly and warmer air will begin to move in aloft. This combination will destroy the lake effect bands. The rest of the area will bask in cold sunshine....ok maybe not bask but you get the idea.
Tomorrow night clear skies and light winds will combine with the cold and dry air mass to allow for nearly ideal radiational cooling set up. As a result temperatures will plummet into the mid and upper teens by early Saturday morning.
Saturday will be a quiet day with just a few debris clouds from a dying upper level feature. Sunday will start out sunny but never fear the next front won't be far away. Winds will turn southwesterly as the high slides east and the next front drops in from the west. This combination will set up a brief but welcomed warm up with highs on Sunday reaching the lower to middle 40s. The cold front will arrive Sunday evening bringing with it an increase in cloud cover along with the chance for a few sprinkles. Some post frontal moisture will wrap around the backside of things late Sunday night into Monday morning as the system wraps up in response to deepening upper level trough overhead. The end result will be snow showers along with colder temps.
A quiet period can be expected Tuesday-Thursday as the pattern begins to shift a little as the mean trough begins to back some to the west. This will eventually lead to a stormier pattern but alas models continue to have problems handling each system. This is pretty usual as it will take a little while for the models to catch on to the pattern change. It now looks like ensembles are catching a new frontal boundary/system Friday afternoon/Saturday. Not sure if moisture will make it this far north but there is enough support to include a rain/snow chance during this period. I still think we turn active the first two weeks of December with a better than average chance at seeing a significant snow.
Forecast:
This evening: Mostly cloudy...passing flurries...cold...heavier lake effect snows Porter/La Porte counties....temps in the 20s...Winds NW 10-20
Overnight: Lake effect snow showers Porter/La Porte counties....otherwise clearing skies...cold....low 17...winds NW 10-15...Wind Chills 12 to 5 above
Tomorrow am: Lake effect snow ending....otherwise sunny but cold...temps start out around 20....Winds NW 5-15...Winds Chills around 10 above
Tomorrow pm: Cold sunshine....high 31....Winds NW 5-10
Tomorrow night: Mostly clear....cold...low 16
Saturday: Partial sunshine....high 39 low 27
Sunday: AM sun give way to late day clouds....a few evening sprinkles....to overnight snow showers....high 44 low 30
Monday: Mostly cloudy with passing snow showers...blustery....high 38 low 28
Tuesday: Mostly sunny....high 40 low 26
Wednesday: Sunny....high 41 low 28
Extended:
Thursday: Mostly sunny.....high 44 low 30
Friday: More clouds...a chance for PM rain...may mix with or change to snow at night....high 43 low 30
Saturday: Cloudy with a chance for rain/snow....high 39 low 27
Sunday: Partly cloudy....high 38
