Northern Illinois

Update: Northern Illinoisans especially those north of Interstate 88 should prepare for hazardous travel and 3 to 6 inches of snow under Saturday's daylong winter weather advisory, according to the latest from the National Weather Service.

Northern Illinois Food Bank launched a new new mobile-friendly map aimed at helping those experiencing food insecurity connect with food resources in their community and surrounding areas.

Tuesday through Friday temperatures will rise slowly from the 20s to lower 50s across the northern half of Illinois.

Road crews took their plows to the streets early Thursday bracing for what could come as temperatures drop and wind speeds rise overnight. The forecast is for wind gusts as high as 50 mph.

The National Weather Service is anticipating increasing wind gusts that will lead to blowing snow and low visibility overnight and Friday, along with dangerously cold wind chills that can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 20 minutes.

Versiti Blood Center of Illinois says it needs to collect 1,100 donations over the next week in order to meet hospital and patient needs. To incentivize donors, Versiti (including the DeKalb location,) will hold a raffle to win a Yamaha power sport vehicle.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat alert for areas of western Illinois.

Limited risk of hail and high winds.

Girl Scouts online cookie orders are now open and customers can get free shipping for all orders of 10 boxes or more starting Friday.

Forecast calls for temps in low 40s over most of the region, though northwestern counties could get into the 30s.

High temperatures could contribute to an elevated heat risk for the region