Kenosha could be in for a 24-hour marathon of snow today.

The Kenosha area is predicted to receive 10 to 14 inches of snow. Chris Franks, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Sullivan, said accumulating snow was expected to begin early this morning and end about 24 hours later.

“It’s a steady, light to moderate snow over a longer duration” Franks said. “The real impact of the snow is during the day on Tuesday and into Tuesday evening.”

Somers declared a snow emergency until noon Wednesday in anticipation of the snowfall. Parking is prohibited on the town’s streets during the emergency.

One factor in the precipitation is Lake Michigan.

“If you took the lake out of the equation, we would be forecasting 8 to 10 inches of snow,” Franks said. “The inland areas are pretty cool in the winter, but water can only cool so far. The lake stays warmer, and as cool air moves over the lake, it picks up moisture.”

Franks said today’s snow is expected to be on the drier and lighter side. That density may be good news for shoveling, but it could cause problems later tonight.

“The snow will be lessening Tuesday night, but there will be some stronger winds and blowing and drifting winds,” Franks said. “The wind will still be going into the (Wednesday) morning commute.”

A winter storm warning is in effect for Kenosha County until 6 a.m. Wednesday.