ROCKFORD — Forecasters are calling for a second round of heavy snowfall this week, with anywhere from 4-9 inches expected to begin falling Thursday evening and continuing through Friday.

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch, starting at 6 p.m. Thursday. Light snow and highs in the mid-20s on the docket for Thursday afternoon, before temperatures drop off and the heavy snowfall begins.

The latest forecast models show Rockford in the bullseye for at least 4-6 inches with areas south of the city, including parts of Ogle, Lee and DeKalb counties, in line for totals of 6-8 inches or more. Nearly all portions of the state north of I-80 can expect significant snowfalls.

Travel will be difficult Friday morning as the heaviest snowfall is expected between midnight and 8 a.m. Drivers should take extra precautions on the roadways; whiteout conditions are a possibility. Heavy snowfall in Iowa earlier this week saw seven dead in highway collisions.

Keep up to date with local conditions with our AccuWeather forecast. R.