Heavy snow, rain, slush — all possible for the Friday afternoon commute

It could look a lot like this Friday afternoon, as forecasters with the National Weather Service are predicting up to eight inches of snow, but also the possibility of rain. (Pat Nabong/Sun-Times file)

The forecast for Friday afternoon: 100% chance of yucky weather.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for Chicago and the surrounding region. It could be snow — heavy at times — or it could be rain, according to the weather service.

“We are still saying there’s a potential for snow, but more of the heavy, wet snow,” said meteorologist Zachary Yack.

To be safe, the weather service issued a storm watch, calling for rain changing to soggy snow with accumulations of up to 5 to 8 inches. Winds gusting up to 45 mph too.

And it’s all expected to get underway just as commuters head home Friday.

“Additionally, the heavy, wet nature of snow combined with the strong winds will lead to a potential for scattered power outages where the heaviest snow falls,” according to the weather service’s online posts.

The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications “is monitoring the incoming storm system with the National Weather Service and will coordinate the city’s response,” said Mary May, an OEMC spokeswoman.

May encouraged residents to get the new OEMC app, available at www.flowcode.com/page/chicagooemcapp.

[5:10 AM 3/2/2023] Here are the updated weather graphics for Friday’s strong storm system. An unusual amount of uncertainty remains at this time! Winter storm watches have been issued for parts of the region. #ILwx #INwx (1/5) pic.twitter.com/u3RLOpY7G8

— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago) March 2, 2023