Grab your shovels and winter boots, Central Illinois! A heavy blanket of snow is heading our way, and it’s not coming quietly. The region is under a Winter Storm Warning from 6 AM Wednesday through 3 AM Thursday, with snow expected to pile up fast, making travel tricky and dangerous.
How Much Snow Are We Talking About?
A lot! Forecasters are calling for 5 to 7 inches of snow, with some areas possibly seeing even more. The snow will begin early Wednesday morning and continue through the evening. The heaviest snowfall is expected during the morning and evening commutes, with snowfall rates of up to an inch per hour at times.
If you’ve got somewhere to be, plan ahead. Visibility could be poor, and roads are going to be slick and snow-covered. This is not the day to be in a rush.
Travel Heads-Up: Roads Will Be a Mess
Road conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly once the snow starts falling. Major highways like I-74 and I-55 could see significant slowdowns, and side streets may be even worse. The Illinois Department of Transportation is advising drivers to avoid travel if possible.
But if you do have to be on the road, go slow, leave plenty of space between cars, and be extra careful on bridges and overpasses—they freeze first. Make sure your car is winter-ready with plenty of gas, warm clothing, and an emergency kit. Trust us, you don’t want to be stranded in this weather.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
- Check Road Conditions: Before you leave
- Pack an Emergency Kit: Keep essentials like blankets, snacks, water, a flashlight, and a phone charger in your car.
- Stay Updated: Tune in to local news and weather updates. This storm could shift, and you’ll want to know if things get worse.
Looking Ahead: More Cold Coming
Once the snow stops, temperatures are expected to take a dive, with lows dropping near 0°F (-18°C) Wednesday night. Watch out for refreezing on roads and sidewalks Thursday morning—it could be just as slippery as the storm itself.
And don’t pack away that snow gear just yet. Another winter storm could be on its way this weekend. Stay warm, stay safe, and take it easy on the roads, Central Illinois!