Full Notification

* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow expected, with snowfall rates of 2 or more inches per hour possible at times. The highest snow accumulations are likely to end up between 4 and 8 inches. The nature of lake effect snow is such that snow intensity can vary significantly over just a few miles. Locations not directly impacted by the most intense snow band will probably end up with considerably less than 4 inches of snow.

* WHERE...Central Cook County.

* WHEN...From 2 AM to noon CST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Conditions will be highly variable, potentially going from just flurries to near white out conditions in heavy snow over just a few mile stretch. Under the intense snow band, travel will likely be extremely difficult, including during the height of Friday morning rush hour.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The intense portion of the lake effect snow band will result in visibilities of a quarter mile or less and rapid accumulation rates, potentially exceeding 2 inches per hour at times. Snowfall rates of this magnitude, particularly in heavy traffic, can be very difficult for plows to keep up with. If travel cannot be postponed, plan for significantly longer travel times in areas impacted by the most intense snowfall.

* AFFECTED AREAS: CENTRAL COOK

Instructions:

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for Illinois can be obtained on the internet at www.gettingaroundillinois.com.