Officials warned drivers to urge caution as a “prolonged” lake effect snow band was leading to “rapid changes” in weather conditions ahead of the afternoon and evening commutes. Many counties were under winter storm warnings and advisories Friday and Saturday as forecasters warned of an “intense band” of lake effect snow,

A massive winter storm sweeping across the U.S. is expected to bring snow to the Chicago area Saturday evening, with up to 6 to 7 inches possible with lake-effect snow.

Heavy snow, ice and brutal cold are expected to make this winter storm a potentially life-threatening weather event, stretching across two-thirds of the U.S.

The lake effect snow will come in several rounds, with major travel impacts and six inches of snow for some parts and just a trace for others