Deepening low pressure over eastern Nebraska will
continue to strengthen as it moves southeast into southern Indiana
this evening. Snow ahead of the low will spread from west to east
across central and southeast Illinois this morning. The snow will
become heavy at times, with 4 to 5 inches possible north of a
Canton-to-Bloomington line by tonight. Locally heavier amounts are
possible in this area. Locations farther south, including much of
central Illinois, will see 2 to 4 inches of snow, while areas south
of Interstate 70 will see an inch or two of accumulation.In
addition to the snow, strong northwest winds gusting above 30 mph at
times will create hazardous driving conditions. The snow will taper
off overnight, but the winds will remain 20 mph or higher through
the night.
A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 6 a.m. CST
Friday for the counties of Knox, Stark, Peoria, Marshall, Woodford,
Fulton, Tazewell, Schuyler, Mason, Logan, Cass, Menard, Scott,
Morgan and Sangamon, including the cities of Galesburg, Peoria,
Havana, Lincoln, Jacksonville and Springfield.
Timing: Snow will spread from west-central Illinois east
toward the Interstate 55 corridor by 6 a.m. The snow will continue
throughout the day before gradually tapering off to flurries
tonight.
Accumulations: Total accumulations of 4 to 5 inches are
expected along and north of a Bloomington-to-Canton line, with 2 to
4 inches farther south across much of central Illinois.
Wind: Northwesterly winds will be sustained at 15 to 25 mph,
with gusts exceeding 30 mph during the afternoon and evening.
Impacts: Snow-covered and icy roads are expected to develop
this morning. As the snow continues and winds increase, blowing and
drifting snow will create hazardous driving conditions throughout
the day into tonight. In addition, wind chill readings will drop to
around zero this evening.
