Blizzard Warnings and Winter Storm Warnings are already in effect for parts of the Midwest with heavy snowfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds expected.

Winter Storm Lola Brings Snow, Thunderstorms, and Travel Chaos

According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, the Rockford region and the Chicagoland area should prepare for significant weather-related disruptions over the next few days.

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Winter Storm Lola is dumping heavy snow in the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, and in parts of Wisconsin, with a Blizzard Warning through Wednesday (3/5) around Des Moines, and a Winter Storm Warning from Minneapolis to Eau Claire, Wisconsin where 7+ inches of snow is likely.

What Will Winter Storm Bring to the Rockford Area

In the Rockford region, a rain/snow mix is likely, along with the threat of damaging thunderstorms with strong wind gusts.

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Johnny Vincent
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According to the National Weather Service, a large storm system will move through northern Illinois today (3/4) through Wednesday (3/5). Soaking rainfall is expected through tonight, along with isolated thunderstorms.

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The NWS is predicting "limited snow risk" for the Rockford area with this storm, but localized flooding is possible.

If you're traveling into Chicago as Winter Storm Lola passes through, expect rain to change over to snow on Wednesday afternoon as temperatures begin to drop, causing slick spots on elevated roads and untreated areas.

Snow Possible Again to Start Weekend

Another possibility of snow is in the extended forecast for the Rockford region.

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Johnny Vincent
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According to the latest Weather Channel forecast, the weekend could start with about an inch of snow on Friday, but it's not going to stick around with highs expected to be in the lower 40s.

If you can make it through the next couple of days, there's relief in sight with high temperatures expected to be in the upper 60s to lower 70s beginning next Monday (3/10).

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