CHICAGO — Got nothing to do between now and Friday morning? You might want to keep it that way.
Heavy rain and overpowering wind is headed for Chicago Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service. After that, get ready for the potential of some light snow in Chicago.
The National Weather Service is predicting high winds and thunderstorms to blanket the area starting Wednesday and lasting through Thursday morning.
Once that storm system clears, another system carrying a chance of snow will move into the area, said meteorologist Ben Deubelbeiss of the National Weather Service.
But the brunt of that system will be over the northern suburbs, Deubelbeiss said.
"There could be a few flurries [Friday] morning," he said. "The better chances for snow will be north of Chicago."
The high for Friday will be 45 degrees with wind gusts as high as 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
Meteorologists said thunderstorms are likely between 8 p.m. and midnight Wednesday. Meanwhile, wind gusts of up to 50 mph are expected to last through the day Thursday, the forecasters said.
Drivers should take extra caution while driving Wednesday night, and Chicagoans should "secure any lightweight objects outside that can be blown around," Deubelbeiss said.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for most of northern Illinois.
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