First snowfall expected Friday across Chicago region

snow
Snow flurry Photo credit Getty Images

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The first snowfall of the season is expected to hit the Chicago area Friday and drop as much as one inch of snow.

The snow could fall as early as mid-morning and continue in spurts throughout the day, according to the National Weather Service. The heaviest bursts are expected in the afternoon.

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“It’s not going to be your typical snow system,” National Weather Service meteorologist Casey Sullivan said. The snow is expected to move in bands, with some areas receiving more snowfall than others, he said.

Between a half-inch and inch of snow could fall by the end of the day. But most of that snow will likely melt since roads will stay above freezing.

The largest threat is reduced visibility. “It may be sudden: You’re driving along and then it hits,” Sullivan said.

Mid-November is about average for the first snow of the season, he said.

The average first trace snowfall is Halloween, while the first measurable snowfall happens on average on Nov. 18, according to weather service record. Chicago usually gets its first snowfall of an inch or more on Dec. 7.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire & Chicago Sun-Times 2021. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images