2 to 6 Inches of Snow Coming Tonight: Forecasters (UPDATE)

Updated 1:35 p.m.

Commuters should expect a snowstorm to hit the Chicago area right around rush hour.

Two to six inches of snow will descend on the Chicago area Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service. The heavy stuff will impact areas north of Chicago.

A winter storm warning is in effect until 3 a.m. Friday.

The heaviest snow and lowest visibility for drivers in the Palos area is expected to come between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m, according to the weather service. Strong winds also will blow through the area as the rain turns to snow. Night gusts could reach 50-60 mph.

Check back with Palos Patch as we follow the weather radar and update you with local conditions.

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Origianl Post

The comfortably mild and snowless weather Chicago has seen recently is anticipated to abruptly end this week.

The National Weather Service says the white stuff will fall as temperatures drop below freezing Thursday night in the Palos area. Rain and some thunder also are in the cards.

A "burst of heavy snow" is possible Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service.

Read: Track the Jolly Old Elf with Help from NORAD

A blizzard will hit the border area of Colorado and Kansas Wednesday before it heads to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan by late Thursday, according to AccuWeather. The snow will bring with it wind gusts up to 50 mph, potentially creating whiteout conditions.

Travel will be difficult, according to AccuWeather. Delays and problems are expected.