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The storm is expected to start sometime Thursday in the Chicago area, Kevin Birk, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said Monday. But meteorologists are predicting Chicago could see lots of snow, dangerous winds and conditions that could make travel unsafe - with flights expected to be canceled - before and during the holiday weekend.
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The severe winter storms are still far enough away in the week that uncertainties exist about when they’ll hit and how bad things could be. jmjCBtyFJq- NWS Chicago December 20, 2022 Travel conditions will likely rapidly deteriorate Thursday afternoon and evening. This is an updated timeline graphic showing our latest thoughts on the upcoming major winter storm. The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications is monitoring the storm and planning how city crews will respond, according to a news release. “Continue to monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.” “Prepare for possible blizzard conditions,” according to the winter storm watch. The storm will be accompanied by “bitterly cold” wind chills that will make it feel as cold as 30 below zero, according to the National Weather Service. Power outages will also be possible due to strong winds.
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There could be whiteout, zero-visibility conditions at times as there will be falling snow that will get blown by the wind, which will make travel difficult - and maybe impossible, according to the National Weather Service. It warns a winter storm will hit, with blizzard conditions possible as wind gusts could get as fast as 55 mph. The weather agency has put out a winter storm watch that will be in effect Thursday evening to late Friday.
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CHICAGO - The National Weather Service is warning people to prepare as Chicago could face a blizzard - or, at least, a strong winter storm - at the end of the week.
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