UPDATE: Winter Storm Advisory in Effect

A winter weather advisory is now in effect until 6 a.m. Friday for McHenry County and much of the Chicago suburbs. 

A winter weather advisory means periods of snow will cause travel difficulties. Motorists should be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibilities and use caution when driving, according to the National Weather Service. 

A heavy wet snow is expected to cause accumulations of four to seven inches, according to the NWS. The heaviest accumulations are predicted for southern McHenry County and DeKalb, Kane, Ogle and Lee counties. 

The heaviest snow is expected after 7 p.m. when snowfall rates could be over an inch an hour. 

Strong winds are also expected later this evening and overnight and could lead to reduced visibility. 

Those with health concerns should use caution when shoveling and the heavy wet snow could also lead to weighed-down branches and power lines, according to the NWS.  

The above information was updated at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 23. 

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The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for much of the area for Thursday evening into early Friday morning. 

A total of five to nine inches of accumulation is expected for much of McHenry County starting Thursday evening. 

The snowfall could exceed one inch per hour in some of the affected areas Thursday evening, according to the National Weather Service in Chicago's website. 

"This will likely result in quick accumulation of wet snow on roads...resulting in slippery and potentially hazardous travel conditions," according to the NWS website. 

In addition, strong winds could cause reduced visibility during Thursday's evening commute, according to the NWS. 

Check the NWS in Chicago for the most up-to-date information on weather conditions. 

The above information was updated at 8 p.m. on Feb. 22.