We got a little taste on Thursday, but the season’s first widespread accumulating snow is forecast Friday night into early Saturday.

According to the National Weather Service Chicago, the final accumulations by midday Saturday (Dec. 9, 2017) are on the lighter side. That said, the NWS says there are three reasons to be cautious.

First, it’s the season’s first snow for most. Notoriously, the number of accidents on Kane County roads is high on the day of the first major snowfall of the season.

Second, rates at times will likely be heavier. Forecasts call for from 1 to 3 inches of snow. Kane County is in the area most likely to get higher accumulations, and the norther part of Kane County could get as much as 4 inches.

Third, some of the snow lingering into Saturday will be accompanied with gusty winds. So some travel impacts are likely.

If you’re traveling to northwest Indiana, lake effect snow into the day Saturday will likely lead to higher totals, and could produce treacherous travel, especially in Porter County.

There is no better time to ensure you are prepared for the snow season! Winter preparedness tips can be found at weather.gov/chicago/winterprepare.

SOURCE: National Weather Service Chicago