Winter storm warning continues         

[NOV. 30, 2006]  A winter storm warning is in effect until noon Friday. This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of central Illinois.

Thursday and Thursday night

A sharp cold front has moved through the area, bringing widespread rain. Temperatures already fell below the freezing mark over western Illinois on Thursday morning, and these freezing temperatures will continue to spread east. Expect the rain to change to freezing rain, with ice accumulations of one-quarter inch or more by this evening. Some locations west of the Illinois River may experience a brief break in the precipitation during the middle of the day, but precipitation will return by evening.

The precipitation will turn to sleet, then snow. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches will be possible by the time the snow tapers off toward midday Friday. Windy conditions will cause considerable blowing and drifting snow. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible and may lead to power outages.

[Provided by Terry Storer, Logan County Emergency Management Agency]

Winter storm warning         

3:13 p.m. Wednesday announcement

[NOV. 29, 2006]  The National Weather Service in Lincoln has issued a winter storm warning in effect from 9 a.m. Thursday to noon Friday. The winter storm watch is no longer in effect.

Rain will change to freezing rain by late Thursday morning eastward to the Interstate 55 corridor. A glaze of ice up to a quarter-inch thick will develop, especially on elevated surfaces, by late in the day as arctic air continues to filter southeast. This precipitation should change to all snow by late evening, and heavy snow is expected overnight into Friday morning, with accumulations of 6 to 12 inches likely and locally higher amounts possible.

A winter storm warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible.

[Provided by Terry Storer, Logan County Emergency Management Agency]

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Winter storm outlook         

[NOV. 29, 2006]  A 2 p.m. Wednesday conference call with the National Weather Service in Lincoln continues to support the possibility of a winter storm for Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon. Indications are that the area will be placed under a winter storm warning at midday Thursday.

Brief synopsis for Logan County:

• Thursday noon through early evening -- Freezing rain with possible ice accumulation of one-fourth inch on trees and wires.

• Thursday late evening -- Freezing rain stops.

• About midnight -- Heavy snow to begin at 2 to 3 inches per hour. Heavy snow to continue until midday Friday. Strong winds will lead to near whiteout conditions, especially on east-west roads.

• Logan County is on the edge of the 6- to 12-inch accumulation area, with the Illinois River counties in the 18-inch range.

All agencies should monitor the National Weather Service or commercial TV or radio as this situation develops. Some consideration should be given to limited travel Thursday afternoon and early Friday. Preliminary plans are to open a shelter at Zion School in Lincoln for Friday evening.

[Provided by Terry Storer, Logan County Emergency Management Agency]

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