MACOMB, Illinois (NEWS3) – A rare and unusual weather event will be taking place throughout much of the upper midwest Thursday into Friday.
Blizzard warnings have been issued in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa; however, there is no storm. Wind gusts between 40 and 50 MPH will be blowing existing snow – causing white-out and blizzard-like conditions.
In western Illinois, a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY will be in effect from 11 a.m. Thursday until 6 p.m. for the same reason.
Highs winds, arriving between noon and 2 p.m. Thursday, will cause blowing and drifting snow, especially in rural areas. There may be white-out conditions at times.
Winds out of the northwest could be as high as 20-30 MPH with wind gusts into the 40 MPH mark.
Winds will also drive wind chills as low as 15 to 25 below zero for Thursday afternoon. DANGEROUS wind chills will continue into Thursday night and Friday morning between 25 and 35 below zero in some areas.
A WIND CHILL WATCH will be in effect from Thursday afternoon into Friday.
