Heavy snow and high winds could make Wednesday morning hazardous

From the NWS, 3:17 a.m. Tuesday

[March 11, 2014]  Wintry weather is to follow the recent mild temperatures. The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a winter weather advisory for snow. The advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 1 p.m. Wednesday for the counties of Knox, Stark, Peoria, Marshall, Woodford, Fulton, Tazewell, McLean, Schuyler, Mason, Logan, DeWitt, Piatt, Champaign, Vermilion, Cass, Menard, Scott, Morgan, Sangamon and Macon, including the cities of Galesburg, Peoria, Bloomington, Normal, Havana, Lincoln, Champaign, Urbana, Danville, Jacksonville, Springfield and Decatur.

Timing: Rain will overspread much of central Illinois on Tuesday evening, then change to snow in the late evening from Rushville to Bloomington northward. The change to snow will likely occur shortly after midnight around Springfield and Jacksonville, then between midnight and 3 a.m. for areas from Decatur east to Danville. The snow will end from west to east Wednesday morning.

Accumulations: Snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are likely from Rushville to Danville northward. Locally higher amounts are possible, especially from Bloomington north and east. Closer to the Interstate 72 corridor, snow totals of 2 to 3 inches are likely. The heaviest snow is most likely between midnight and sunrise.

Wind: Northerly winds will increase overnight and range from 20 to 30 mph. Some gusts to around 40 mph are possible near the I-57 corridor. The windy conditions will continue into Wednesday morning.

Impacts: Roads will quickly become slushy as the snow accumulates. As temperatures fall into the 20s overnight, the slush will begin to freeze as well, causing icy travel conditions. Visibility will be significantly reduced in the heavier snow bands. The wet snow is expected to limit the amount of blowing and drifting to a relative minimum, although areas near Champaign and Danville are more likely to see some blowing snow due to the higher wind speeds in that area.

Precautionary, preparedness actions: A winter weather advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow-covered roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving.

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Graphical depiction:
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/wxstory.php?site=ilx

[Text from National Weather Service, Lincoln office]