
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Kankakee County that will take effect on Friday morning at 6:00 a.m. and last until 11:00 p.m. the same day. The residents of Kankakee County are advised to prepare for a possible heavy wet snowfall of up to 5 to 8 inches, with snow accumulating at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour in some areas.
The National Weather Service has warned that the hazardous conditions may impact the afternoon and evening commutes, making travel difficult for residents. The snowfall is also expected to be accompanied by gusty winds of up to 45 mph.
The heavy, wet snow combined with the strong winds increases the potential for scattered power outages where the heaviest snow falls. Residents are advised to be prepared for such an occurrence and to have enough food, water, and other necessities to last for at least 72 hours.
Residents are urged to take necessary precautions such as staying indoors, if possible, during the storm and avoiding unnecessary travel. If travel is necessary, it is recommended to drive cautiously and to have an emergency kit in the car in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Kankakee County residents are advised to stay tuned to local news and weather reports for the latest information and any further developments.