A significant winter storm system is predicted to impact the Chicago area by the end of this week, bringing heavy snow, frigid temperatures, and strong gusty winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm watch for the entire Chicago area, starting on Thursday night and lasting until Saturday afternoon.

The watch will be in effect for various counties, including DeKalb, LaSalle, Kendall, and Grundy, beginning Thursday night. McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Will, and Kankakee counties in Illinois, as well as Lake and Porter counties in Indiana, will come under the watch on Friday morning at 6 a.m. All counties will remain under the watch until 12 p.m. Saturday, according to NWS officials.

The main threats associated with this winter storm will be heavy snowfall and strong winds. Snow accumulation could exceed six inches in some areas. Additionally, wind gusts of up to 40-to-50 miles per hour could result in blowing snow and "blizzard conditions" at some locations, as stated by NWS officials.

Meteorologist Alicia Roman from NBC 5 reports that snowfall is likely to begin between 4 and 6 a.m. on Friday, accompanied by wind gusts in the teens. A "burst" of heavy snow is expected Friday morning near and north of I-80, with snowfall rates of 1-3 inches per hour. In the afternoon, more intense and widespread snowfall is expected, along with winds ramping up to 40 miles per hour. The NWS warns that the "worst conditions" of the storm are expected to develop Friday evening, with blizzard-like conditions and strong winds persisting throughout the night.

The NWS cautions that the combination of several inches of accumulating snow and strong winds could result in hazardous travel conditions. Drivers should be prepared for difficult road conditions and reduced visibility. Strong winds may also cause tree branches and power lines to fall, with the potential for minor lake shore flooding due to high winds along Lake Michigan.

The snowfall is expected to continue into Saturday, gradually tapering off in the afternoon. Although areas closer to the lakefront, such as Kankakee, may experience rain or lower snow totals, inland areas are forecasted to see snow accumulation of more than 6 inches, according to forecast models.

Temperatures will remain in the upper 20s to mid-30s on Thursday and Friday, but a significant drop is anticipated on Saturday along with wind chill values. Rapidly falling temperatures on Friday could potentially lead to a flash freeze on untreated surfaces.

Residents are advised to stay updated on the latest weather conditions and to take necessary precautions. It is recommended to limit travel during the storm and ensure that vehicles are properly equipped for winter conditions.