[Chicago]Technically It's Spring, But Huge Snowstorm Coming
6 To 8 Inches Of Snow Could Fall In Some Places
Mar 20, 2008
cbs2chicago.com
CHICAGO (CBS) ? Oftentimes in Chicago, March goes in like a lion and also out like a lion. An approaching snowstorm suggests this is one of those times.
Technically it is now spring, but the forecast is befitting of January.
CBS 2 meteorologist Mary Kay Kleist reports that a winter storm watch is in effect for Cook and DuPage counties, areas north of the Chicago area including Lake and McHenry counties, much of the area west of Chicago, and parts of Northwest Indiana.
Heavy, wet snow is expected to begin late tonight, possibly around midnight or in the early morning hours. It will continue to fall through Friday night.
Totals of 6 inches are expected in many areas, with totals more severe to the north. Along the Wisconsin border, snow totals may be as high as 8 inches. Far south in Kankakee County, only a rain-snow mix may be seen.
During the season, 53 inches of snow has fallen in the area, and it dipped below zero several times – making this one of the worst winters in decades.
As CBS 2's Kristyn Hartman reports, Thursday shaped up to be a fairly nice morning.
"It's been long and dark, and it's dragged out a long time," said Tom Myers, who was out walking his dog.
But the mood was cooled and dampened by the looming snowstorm.
People we met at the LaGrange Metra station are sick of it all.
"My car died twice on me, I slid out of my driveway, and I hit my neighbor's garbage can, and I broke off my side view mirror," said Erica Brown. "It was just because it's been so cold, it just snapped."
"I had to sometimes take the buses, especially in the wintertime, going all the way up north area. But I'll tell you one thing – it's like the coldest winter of them all," said Gerald Armstrong. "I'm glad there's spring coming right here – it's definitely a miracle. We certainly need it."
But Chicagoans know the month of March is unpredictable, and often unpleasant.
On Tuesday morning, Kris Habermehl described the present month by quoting Garrison Keillor, "God designed the month of March to show people who don't drink what a hangover feels like."
So people are waiting for the flowers to bloom and looking forward to what's around the corner, in a couple of months or so.
"It should be really nice and warm and comfortable outside without a coat," said Bobbie Welch.
Crossing guard Bruce Wulff has to work outside, and had a vision of mid-May.
"About 72, no clouds, sunny," Wulff said.
The sun is expected to return over the weekend, but highs top out only in the 30s on Saturday and Easter Sunday.
CBS 2's Kristyn Hartman and Mary Kay Kleist contributed to this report. |
