Winter storm and heavy rain headed for central Illinois through the weekend

[December 19, 2013]  Another episode of winter weather is heading for central Illinois, according to the National Weather Service. After a slight warming trend today, a cold front will move through central Illinois late Thursday night and through the day Friday. Rain and possible freezing rain will come with this system Friday morning and into Friday afternoon.

However, the more significant precipitation will move into the area on Saturday. Rain, some heavy at times, will develop and move into the region late Friday night and into Saturday. Freezing rain will be possible through the morning hours Saturday over the northern half of central Illinois. The rain will continue Saturday night, with freezing rain remaining possible over the northwest third of central Illinois.

Then on Sunday, the system will move off to the east. However, a period of snow will be possible over the northern portions of the region, especially northwest of the Illinois River on Sunday morning.

Many of the details on this weather event are still uncertain. Follow later statements on this developing winter event.

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

For updates, check http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ilx/.

[Text from National Weather Service, Lincoln office]