The alert comes as lake-effect rain showers across northwest Indiana and parts of northeast Illinois are expected to transition to light snow overnight, with slushy accumulations possible. Temperatures will hover close to freezing, raising the risk of slick spots on roads into the early afternoon.

"Temperatures will be close enough to freezing," said NBC 5 Storm Team meteorologist Kevin Jeanes. "We'll have to be mindful of that."

Thursday's conditions were cold and blustery, with wind gusts reaching 30 mph. "The wind is not going to be our friend today," Jeanes said. "It's going to make it feel like it's at least 10 degrees lower than the actual air temperature at times," with readings feeling like the 30s. "Brace yourself for that."

Overnight into Friday, wind chills will drop into the 20s as lake-effect showers continue. Snow is expected to begin in northwest Indiana before 6 a.m., then spread between 6 and 10 a.m. into eastern Will County, Kankakee County and parts of Cook County.

Because the ground remains warm, any snow that falls will be wet, slushy and half-melted. Parts of northwest Indiana could see between one and four inches of slushy snow, with a few localized pockets of higher amounts possible. In the Chicago area, forecast models showed up to an inch, though the snow is not expected to stick.

The snow showers are expected to transition back to rain showers for the rest of Friday, with a possible return of slush Friday night into Saturday morning.

A brighter and drier weekend is ahead, with clearer conditions starting Sunday. By next week, temperatures are expected to rise back into the 50s, Jeanes said.

For residents in the advisory area, the morning commute Friday could be the first test of the season for winter driving conditions. Officials urge drivers to allow extra time and watch for slick spots, particularly on bridges and overpasses.