Freezing rain and ice tonight; possible storms

***ICE STORM WARNING AND WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY***

TONIGHT: We’ll see an increasing chance of rain and freezing rain through the evening with most ice accumulation and rain after 9 PM. Freezing rain is expected to increase overnight as temperatures hover near or just below freezing in our west-northwestern counties while thunderstorms are also possible, producing heavy downpours. Storms will be more numerous close to I-44 where there is a marginal severe storm threat. The primary threat is large hail but strong wind gusts and a tornado can’t be ruled out near and south of I-44.

THURSDAY: As a cold front moves in Thursday morning, a wintry mix is possible before precipitation ends by noon as colder air moves in. Winds through the day pick up with sustained winds up to 20-25 mph, gusting up to 35 mph. The gusty winds combined with ice on power lines could lead to power outages where ice accumulation is highest. Behind the front, expect temperatures to drastically drop through the day Thursday, with overnight lows dipping to near 8 Thursday night into Friday morning and wind chills just below zero.

EXTENDED: Highs will only reach the low 20s Friday, dropping back into the teens Friday night. It looks like we’ll warm slightly this upcoming weekend, but Saturday still looks on the cool side. Highs will rise just above freezing into the mid 30s with mostlly sunny skies. By Saturday night and Sunday we see another chance of rain/ snow mix. Areas north of I-70 see the best chance of snow, making a changeover to the mix to the south.

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