Look what is coming my way folks....

[Guest guest]

And I live very close to Lake Michigan so we get Lake Effect snow too...

This is gonna SUCK.

Monday, January 31, 2011 14:20 (2:20 p.m.)

Emergency Management Partners Information

Our message today is divided into two separate sections below; general

information about expected weather conditions with suggested preparedness

actions, and information specific to local governments. The first section is

suitable for re-distribution to your constituents, employees, and volunteers,

and while the second section doesn't include any restricted information, it

should be designated for official use only (FOUO).

+++++ Section One - For General Distribution +++++

A significant winter storm is forecast to impact Lake County over the next

several days, and the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Blizzard Watch

for the entire Chicago metropolitan area from Tuesday afternoon through

Wednesday afternoon. A blizzard includes both significant snow and very strong

winds. While there is still some variance between weather models, the first

round of snow is expected tonight into Tuesday morning, with perhaps two to four

inches of snow, followed by the much more significant threat of heavy snow from

Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday. The snow Tuesday and Wednesday is expected to

combine with strong winds and blizzard or near-blizzard conditions, including

very low visibility and whiteout conditions. The NWS has also issued a Coastal

Flood Warning for the Lake and Cook County shore of Lake Michigan, where the

winds will push large waves ashore, leading to beach erosion and possible

flooding and subsequent icing of low-lying roads and streets.

The most recent forecasts suggest that snow totals across Lake County from one

to two feet are probable, with some chance of lake enhancement on Wednesday

adding several more inches closer to Lake Michigan. Sustained winds of 20mph to

30mph are expected overnight Tuesday and during the day Wednesday, with gusts

over 40mph possible. The strong winds will likely lead to snow drifts of several

feet, and will make it a challenge for transportation personnel to keep roads

clear. Isolated utility outages should be expected throughout the region.

Travel will be challenging Wednesday morning, and should be avoided if possible.

Motorists should make sure their vehicles are prepared for hazardous winter

conditions, and should check windshield wiper blades and washer fluid, tires,

and defrosters. Travelers should limit their travel to that which is necessary,

allowing extra travel time and ensuring that cellular telephones are fully

charged. Citizens should know how their business, school, or community will

communicate important weather-related scheduling information, and should have a

plan to communicate with family and friends regarding possible school or

business closings. We encourage everyone to take this opportunity to make sure

their family disaster supply kits are up-to-date.