A potential winter storm is set to strike North Central Illinois, Northeastern Illinois and Northwestern Indiana Wednesday through Thursday, according to a Weather Warning statement from the National Weather Service. 

The first signs of the storm will be “southerly wind gusts up to 30 to 40 mph” on Tuesday and they will be at their highest near the Chicago area.

On Wednesday, heavy rainfall will occur and accumulate into ice as temperatures drop with limited non-thunderstorm winds. Limited snow and sleet is also expected. Thursday will see ice accumulation continue and elevated levels of snowfall. 

In total, ice accumulations of one to two-tenths of an inch are expected along with “total snow accumulations of three to seven inches,” according to the National Weather Service. 

Among the effects of this storm include potential flooding from poor drainage caused by ice as well as slick roads. Combined with wind gusts as high as 40 mph, travel may become hazardous and extreme caution should be taken when using the roads. People should also prepare for low visibility and take all necessary safety precautions.

For further updates on the potential storm, visit the National Weather Service.