Thread by @NWSChicago

.Wed AM update! 1) Key messages on the dangerous winter weather Thursday into the holiday wknd. A powerful storm system will bring strong winds, falling and blowing & drifting snow, & extreme cold. Worst conditions: Thu-Fri. Threat for flash freeze on Thursday! #ILwx #INwx (1/5)

.2) Timeline graphic showing our latest thoughts on the upcoming dangerous winter weather. Travel conditions will likely rapidly deteriorate on Thursday AM through the afternoon from west to east. A flash freeze may cause icy roads during the accumulating snow! #ILwx #INwx (2/5)

.Impacts from the storm will be driven by combination of cold, wind & snow rather than snow alone. Don’t let your guard down from the moderate amounts of snow forecast; combined effects will lead to dangerous travel conditions which can become life threatening. #ILwx #INwx (3/5)

.Ground blizzard conditions: Even without major snowfall, strong winds lofting fresh snow can create treacherous travel due to near whiteout conditions, especially in open areas. Exposed north-south roads will be most susceptible to being drifted over with snow. #ILwx #INwx (4/5)

.In addition to falling and blowing snow, extreme cold will worsen the dangerous conditions Thu & Fri. Wind chills will drop to as low as 35 degrees below zero early Friday morning. Once the snow stops, dangerous cold will continue through the holiday weekend. #ILwx #INwx (5/5)