Illinois and Wisconsin Prepare for Massive Winter Storm with Snow, Thunder

A Winter Weather Watch has already been issued for parts of Wisconsin and Iowa as a March storm is expected to bring heavy snow and severe thunderstorms.

Brace for Impact: Major March Storm Set to HIt Upper Midwest

With just a couple of weeks until Spring officially arrives, we've recently been enjoying some warmer than average temperatures in the 50s. Still, a reminder that Winter is not done will arrive this week.

READ MORE: The List of Largest Landowners in Illinois May Shock You

According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for counties in Wisconsin and Iowa beginning Tuesday night (3/4) at 9 pm until Wednesday afternoon (3/5) at 3 pm.

Snowfall rates could hit nearly 1 inch per hour during the storm's peak, with wind gusts of 50 mph possibly causing reduced visibility and downed tree limbs, according to the NWS.

Illinois Could Get Significant Snow and Dangerous Thunderstorms

Most of the heavier snowfall totals are expected to stay in northern Wisconsin, where 3 to 6 inches are possible near the La Crosse area, but there still could be significant accumulation in northern Illinois.

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According to the National Weather Service forecast for the Rockford region, there's a limited risk of thunderstorms beginning tonight (Monday), with a chance of rain and thunderstorms continuing into Tuesday (3/4).

Rain is expected to change over to snow on Wednesday afternoon (3/5), with heavy wind gusts possible near 50 mph.

More Snow in Forecast Later This Week

Current forecast for the Rockford region from the Weather Channel is predicting a 50 percent chance of snow showers on Thursday night (3/6), and a 70 percent chance of snow early on Friday (3/7) when the high eventually hits lower 40s.

Looking ahead at the extended forecast for the Rockford area, once we get through this winter storm, highs could be near 70 degrees by early next week.